The only thing consistent during this pandemic has been change.
With that notion in mind, CEOs, executives, and other C-Suite professionals throughout metro Detroit and beyond have adapted to new workflows time and time again as these high-ranking business professionals have learned to lean in during the turbulent times and pivot with a purpose.
According to CEO Today Magazine, professionals can expect even more changes in the workplace as new technologies, demographic shifts, and reworkings in the labor market have made companies have a serious look at how they operate, and if the core foundational practices might need a facelift. As many have seen already, the future looks like hybrid offices, where some employees split their time between working remotely and coming into the office.
Employees and their employees, in many cases, feel comfortable with this agreement. It isn’t hard to see why.
According to a Forbes article, the work-from-home model is working and was a “key productivity strategy” for the workplace of the 2020s, even into this year. In a report out of Accenture, 83% of 9,326 workers who participated in the survey said they lean towards more of a hybrid model where they can work remotely at least 25% of the time, according to the article.
The Accenture survey added that the hybrid model might not be for every generation, however: Three in four Gen Zers (74%) want more chances to collaborate with their coworkers face-to-face — a higher number than Gen Xers (66%) and Baby Boomers (68%), according to Forbes.
But the hybrid model is still winning for many, as many employers know, when employees are happy, the business has a propensity to be more successful.
Yet, what does the future of work look like 10 or 20 years down the road?
From increases in automation, robotics, and more what will become of the American (and international) workforce when technology becomes more apparent?
A greater balance could be expected down the line with technologies playing a more important role in the growing hybrid workforce than it does now, thanks to the COVID-19-spurred changes today, which propelled the automation conversation even further.
The futuristic workplace could also entail having a smarter workplace with even more seamless transitions to virtual work realities while managing the in-person work environment, too. CEO Today said that the “workplace of tomorrow” means having more businesses transferring their activities to virtual environments, which would mean “offering employees fully immersed digital experiences through extended reality.”
Also, more people will be pursuing non-traditional working arrangements, and expect these companies to be full steam ahead with these more virtual working environments. That could include simulated meeting rooms, creativity hubs, lobbies, and even wearing virtual reality glasses, according to the article. These technological tools would allow for even greater opportunities for working from home in a new world.
“Colleagues will enjoy more meaningful opportunities to collaborate and will feel more present and engaged despite communicating through digital mediums,” according to the article.
In-person, office workers will also be interested in improving their soft skills like their speaking skills as being an efficient speaker will be needed even more during the virtual board room, among other meetings.
The workday doesn’t need to be set to 9-5 working hours either; many employees work overtime or find a balance to fit their work in on their time, especially when working at home.
Wherever a person, many C-Suite leaders are ensuring the work is completed most efficiently and effectively for the bottom line — while looking to keep employees safe and productive to get their job done.