Introducing the Smart(er) Workforce
Workers are now more empowered than ever to use technology. Just check your Instagram and Twitter accounts. It’s becoming popular to work independently on short-term projects from exotic locations, while on the beach or in the evening by the pool. Through the power of social media and clever technology platforms, workers are able to collaborate with their peers effectively and meet deadlines while working remotely.
Entrepreneurs and employers alike are recognising the positive impact of flexibility. Employers are beginning to increase trust in their employees and in return are enhancing employee engagement. It’s all about creating a world where workers feel empowered to be part of something bigger than themselves and I think this is what smart working is all about. We are moving away from a sense of ‘presenteeism’ to an environment where the focus is on achieving goals and working smart(er). Socially connected businesses have really embraced this. They operate through sharing knowledge and collaborating as a team.
Internet connectivity has become easier too, which makes access to information and collaboration very swift. My mobile device makes the information I need accessible and available at my fingertips at all times. With reports that approximately 75 per cent of the world’s population owns a mobile device it’s only natural that this is going to massively impact behaviour and drive smart(er) working.
The growing connection between human insight and technology has given rise to the HR analytics trend. Despite the challenge of too much data being made available and not enough analytic capabilities, companies are slowly employing the right experts to extract and interpret data. In turn, these insights into behavioural trends help to drive business outcomes and strengthen the workforce. As with HR, the challenge remains proving to the business its real value. In this case the way forward is to use analytics in a way that helps HR make better decisions not just around HR practices but also around key business initiatives.
By 2025 two-thirds of the workforce will consist of millennials. This community is already driving transformation and encouraging a new mindset shift. They are encouraging greater agility, digitally literate skills and a focus on social technologies to connect in innovative ways. The way people think and work is changing. The traditional workplace as we all know it will no longer exist. But what does this mean?
Businesses and employees are finding it easier to network with each other and connect across multiple channels and locations. Employees or contractors can take ownership of when, where and how long they will work for and what they want to pursue. But where do all these changes lead? The rise of independent style remote working is promoting a more flexible labour market. It is encouraging a new breed of specialists and entrepreneurs. With anyone being able to work from anywhere at any time, economic growth will be bolstered as more money is invested back into the community.
There are so many companies that are working in smart ways, from Google, tech startups, creative agencies through to more traditional retail banks. Does our future look promising? Very much so. I believe millennials are a community of trendsetters who have the ability to revolutionise the world. They focus on making work meaningful and are committed to transforming their dreams into an outstanding reality.
This blog post first appeared on iBe’s blog.
