Unprecedented technological growth and development along with ever-increasing globalization are major worldwide trends that have transformed and continue to transform the concept of work and its future.
20 or even 15 years ago, almost everything important in the workforce was on paper. Records were kept in paper format, email was rare, and documents were sent via snail mail. Today, almost all records are kept digitally and email is the number-one form of workplace communication.
Of course, the spread of a global pandemic across the world has also significantly, suddenly, and unexpectedly shaken up the workforce. With millions of people out of work and millions more working entirely from home instead of in an office setting, the spread of COVID-19 has caused major changes in the workforce that are very likely to have lasting impacts on the future of work as a whole.
So what does the future of work hold? What will the mainstream workforce look like in 5, 10, 20, and even 50 years into the future? It is most likely that many of the changes that will happen in the workforce in the future are unimaginable based on the current state of technology. If you’re curious about some of the major trends will likely make their way into the workforce in the future, here are 3 changes that many expect to define the future of work.
1. More Remote Positions
As technology and globalization continue to advance, more remote positions will likely become available. Remote positions allow more flexibility for all members of a company. They allow people to work and collaborate on their own time from the comfort of their own homes.
The ability to instantly and consistently communicate with coworkers and bosses via email and text messages and the ability to join and host larger-scale business meetings via platforms like Zoom has made more flexible remote positions a reality. This trend will likely continue to grow into the future.
The spread of COVID-19 has also driven many on-site employees into remote work. This shift has played out better than expected for many companies. Many of these companies are likely to consider more remote flexibility for their employees. Many also expect this to remain true even after professionals deem it safe for employees to return to on-site work.
2. Increased Automation
Increased automation is something else that will likely define the future of work. The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to the creation of many AI-dependent tools for a variety of industries.
Many industries are already taking advantage of artificial intelligence. For example, the retail industry has capitalized on AI technology with automated chat boxes in eCommerce stores. The manufacturing industry has also jumped on the automation bandwagon and has begun placing a heavier focus on machine learning and data science analysis as artificial intelligence begins to play a larger role in manufacturing operations.
Therefore, the future of work will likely demonstrate an increase in demand for workers who are familiar with AI. Click here to learn more about some of the different roles AI tech will play in the workforce into the future.
3. Essential VR Tech
Although many still widely consider it to be somewhat futuristic, virtual reality has already made headway in many industries. It is currently in use for employee training purposes in the airline, food processing, and retail industries—and more.
As VR tech becomes more commonplace and more affordable, it will likely infiltrate a wider selection of industries. It will also likely become essential for efficiently training employees in a broad range of positions.
Only time will tell exactly what the future of work will hold for bosses, employees, and businesses as a whole. Increased flexibility with the opening of more remote positions, increased automation through artificial intelligence, and the use of virtual reality technologies are all predicted to become major trends in the workforce as technology continues to advance and globalization increases.
Although the future of work remains somewhat uncertain, one thing is for sure. Advancing technological innovations have already led to many shifts within the workforce, and more major changes are expected to make headway within upcoming years.