The future of work | A view of the workplace of 2030 from Demi, who joined our team for work experience
Recently, Demi joined the Novacroft marketing team for five days, on his Year 10 school work experience placement. Demi spent time learning the ropes in marketing and communications, and experiencing our new hybrid working model. Demi’s week helped him gain confidence and built his knowledge of the world of work. For our part, hosting Demi allowed us fresh insights and new perspectives, all of which have been incredibly valuable. One of Demi’s key tasks was to investigate the future of work. As his placement came to an end, I talked to Demi about his experience and his findings.
Demi, we’ve loved having you with us in the marketing team!
What have you found out about what the future of work might look like?
I’ve found out that the future of work is changing rapidly as the world tries to adapt to a new lifestyle, after the pandemic. Most organisations are trying to keep up with improvements in the digital world.
There’s going to be a big focus on tech. More manual jobs will disappear.
Studies show that in the next few decades there will be an increase in digital-based jobs. This is due to an increase in robots and machines taking over manual jobs. Also, the impact of the pandemic has led to people adapting and moving forward with technology faster.
I think that there will be more augmented reality in the workplace in the future.
Jobs that are popular in the future might be in things like data analysis, programming, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (augmented reality) development.
PriceWaterhouseCooper’s 2019 #SeeingisBelieving study predicts that the jobs enhanced globally by VR and AR by 2030 will be 23,360,639, and that VR and AR have the potential to add $1.5trillion to the global economy by 2030.
– Source: PwC “Seeing Is believing” report, 2019
A major benefit VR and AR offer organisations is the training of employees and testing of procedures … At a time when competition for talent – particularly tech talent – is intense, organisations have an opportunity to make themselves more attractive by showing a progressive approach.
– Source: PwC “Seeing Is believing” report, 2019
There will be threats for companies in the future too, like tighter competition, and economic issues – companies will have to help the client improve their digital infrastructure and give them the best service, for the best cost. There will probably be new regulations too, to enhance the digital world for all companies and make it safe and fair.
Do you agree with those findings?
Yes, for a lot of jobs and companies. But jobs that provide entertainment are something robots can’t completely take over. For example, football, which generates billions of pounds every year. Football is loved globally and no robot or software could ever recreate the feeling you get from playing and watching.
So I think sports and entertainment jobs will still be around in the future.
Do you think work is somewhere to have fun?
Making it fun to work in a business is crucial.
To make somewhere enjoyable to work, you need to involve everyone, show kindness, friendliness, encouragement, and have good communication.
A fun workplace improves morale and boosts energy in all aspects of work. Studies show that stress and a mundane routine decrease work efficiency drastically.
In studies by the Queens School of Business and by the Gallup Organization, disengaged workers had 37% higher absenteeism, 49% more accidents, and 60% more errors and defects. In organizations with low employee engagement scores, they experienced 18% lower productivity, 16% lower profitability.
– Source: Harvard Business Review: Proof that Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive
A positive workplace also increases positive emotions and well-being. Happier teams make for not only a more inviting workplace but for improved customer service. As a consequence, a happy and caring culture at work not only improves the team’s wellbeing and productivity, but also improves client health and satisfaction. Lastly, a positive, new environment is extremely inviting for new people joining. The new generation will be more attracted to jobs if the atmosphere is fun.
What about the workplace location?
I think it will be a mix. A lot of young people prefer working in an office because of the interaction.
When you look for a place to work, what are the main things you’ll look for?
I want football to be my future of work, but wherever I work, it needs to be somewhere that’s fun and where I can make friends, and somewhere that’s supportive.
Finally… have you enjoyed your work experience placement?
I have. It’s been really interesting. It’s taught me a lot about how workplaces operate and given me an insight into what types of careers are out there.
Thanks for spending your week with us, Demi. We wish you all the best.
#PeopleFirst #LoveNovacroft #GrowWithNovacroft
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