The future of work is the latest buzz word. As the world changes, so does the nature of work. There is increased access to global markets leading to greater competition at the international level. Local and domestic have been expanded beyond national borders to encompass the world. Companies now cater to an international population, keeping in mind the enormous diversity in demographics and psychographics, in expectations, desires, wants and needs of consumers. Along with the change in work comes the change in the workspace and in the workers who cater to these consumers.

No time to “stand and stare”

Due to the immense competition in the global markets, there is a major demand for high quality at competitive prices, delivered at great speed. There is no time to “stand and stare” – the world is rushing forward at an unimaginably rapid rate and companies need to keep pace and more if they want to survive. They need to be proactive not reactive – they need to take the initiative and push boundaries in order to reach the top. If they are to succeed, they need to engage and involve their workers, they need to take care of them, they need to ensure their well-being and not only in material and financial terms.

Happy employees are more willing, more eager, more enthusiastic about their work – the outcome is greater efficiency and higher productivity. The future of work revolves around people, their sense of well-being, their levels of engagement and fulfillment, and the kind of work they are occupied with.

Attract, recruit, retain, engage, motivate

People are an organization’s biggest and among the most vital asset. Skilled, talented people bring more to the table. Thus one of the most critical jobs for any company / leader in the new business environment is to attract, recruit, retain, engage, motivate and finally reward the right set of people. When there is worker delight at the workplace, there is greater contribution and greater value creation leading to better output and higher profits.

Thus in order to build teams that are committed and dedicated, companies have to create positive work experiences for their employees: apart from the financial benefits, people look for a congenial work environment, well designed workspaces, resources that are easily accessible, supportive colleagues, leaders who are compassionate and empathetic, and a little bit of pampering in the form of “biscuits and tea/coffee” on the house.

Synchronizing people and work

The future of work is also about synchronizing people and work, based on the skills and talent of the employee. Companies will increasingly move towards matching people to their skills and interests. The millennials – the new generation of workers – place enormous value on openness, global connectivity, empowerment, work-life balance, transparency and authenticity. They are passionate about their work and feel fulfilled only when they contribute optimally by being assigned jobs that harmonize with their area of competence and their passion. Companies will therefore have to find ways of wooing the right talent and assigning job responsibilities that interest and engage them – only then can they be certain of retaining such talent.

The future of work demands inspiring, motivating, stimulating environs that house empathetic leaders who care for their workers and provide a nurturing work atmosphere by engaging their teams and enduring their well-being.