The landscape of work is shifting significantly—and quickly—and we’re all watching for what will come next. Trends shaping the future of work make a big difference in when, where, how and why you work—and in your life and your choices. And when you anticipate and prepare for future of work trends, you boost your chances of success moving forward.
Looking to the future is especially relevant in a world that is increasingly unpredictable. We have a preference for greater certainty, so giving thought to what might happen is a strategy to feel more stable. In addition, looking toward the future can give us hope and empower us to take action as we move ahead—and these are likely to contribute to our health, happiness and wellbeing.
Future of Work Trends to Prepare For
There is plenty coming at us, and a lot that is both unclear and complex. Lots of people—between 88% and 61%—are afraid. They are concerned with everything from geopolitics and economic issues to climate change. In addition, their trust in leaders is declining. People worry how these will impact their work and their lives.
But you can manage fear and uncertainty by empowering yourself and preparing for the trends that are most likely.
1. Embrace AI and New Technology
For the new year, you can be sure about the increasing use of AI and its integration into tons of tasks, jobs and work processes. This may take the form of you using it for particular tasks, but it will probably also include your company experimenting with broader use as well.
It is also likely that AI will be leveraged as an “agent” in which it is used to achieve a goal which includes a set of tasks, rather than pursuit of singular tasks. This would be similar to giving an employee a complete assignment, and then expecting them to report back when they are ready for the next chunk of work.
You can also plan that AI will become part of a talent strategy. Companies will plan for their business, for the work that will have to be done and for the skills they will need—and then they will plan for both the human and AI resources who will deliver those capabilities.
Interestingly, we tend to overestimate technology’s effects in the short term and underestimate them in the long term, so you may feel underwhelmed by AI today. But today’s AI is as ineffective as it will ever be—meaning that it will continue to expand, extend and improve—and fast.
Prepare for this future trend by embracing AI, using it and by making it part of your work. Even if AI doesn’t take your job, someone using it will—but you can take action and do your best to ensure that AI doesn’t take your job.
Try, test and experiment. Incorporate AI into your responsibilities or volunteer for new projects that explore its use at your employer. Experiment within the guardrails your company sets, of course, but be proactive.
2. Upskill and Learn Continually
You can also be sure about a future of work trend in companies emphasizing learning, upskilling and constant development.
Evidence demonstrates that organizations are prioritizing skills and capabilities as well as future potential in the hiring and selection process. This includes them valuing micro-credentials, certifications and candidates who can prove the demonstration and application of their capabilities.
There are a number of reasons that an emphasis on upskilling is occurring.
- Companies report there is a talent shortage, and they’re having a hard time finding great talent. As a result, they are looking beyond traditional degrees to all kinds of evidence of capabilities—for hiring, assignments and promotions.
- Employers also know that learning and development are priorities for those they want to attract and retain—across all generations. As a result, they are offering plenty of growth opportunities for new and existing employees.
- And organizations are facing constant change based on technology and competitive factors—so continual learning will be critical to companies that can evolve, adapt and succeed. As a result, they are both supporting and driving continual learning.
Prepare for this future by focusing on your learning. Get smart in the technical and technological skills necessary for your area of expertise, but also in the soft skills that are increasingly rare and critical. Your ability to connect, empathize, build trust, communicate and collaborate will be tremendously valuable.
In addition, let your leader know about your passions, interests and aspirations, and seek learning and growth opportunities both inside and outside of your company.
3. Focus on Wellbeing and Develop Resilience
Moving forward, you can also be sure that a future of work trend will include wellbeing as a focus.
We are at a critical point where people are reporting record levels of depression, anxiety and mental health issues. Large numbers of respondents in study after study say they experience loneliness and they are generally unwell.
Employers are paying attention—because it’s the right thing to do, and also because wellbeing is closely tied to performance. If you’re not feeling your best—emotionally, cognitively or physically—you can’t perform as well.
Given this, increasing numbers of organizations will embrace their influence over wellbeing through providing benefits, services, programs and policies that support people holistically. By doing these, they’ll inspire and enable people to feel good, make meaningful contributions, perform at their best and stay with a company.
Prepare for this future by taking advantage of your employer’s wellbeing opportunities and building your personal resilience.
In addition, show up strong, because work has an important role to play. Even when it isn’t perfect or a panacea, it can be a source of stability when things are uncertain, volatile and complex.
Work can also deliver connection with colleagues. And it can provide a sense of esteem and purpose. No matter what you’re doing, it’s valuable to your teammates, your organization and the final customer.
4. Expect to Be In the Office with a Positive Work Experience
Another important future of work trend is the likelihood that you’ll spend more time in the office—with a better work experience.
Remote and hybrid work have been around for decades, and they grew significantly during the pandemic. Now, their prevalence is plateauing, and high-profile companies are expecting people to be in the office more frequently.
Evidence of this is apparent in the headlines announcing companies who are insisting on attendance, and also in the reduction of postings for remote and hybrid work.
Given the need to be in the office, and given that work processes have changed, the workplace will also need to evolve. Expect employers to invest in technology to connect. And expect them to refresh or create settings that emphasize health and safety and support the needs for focus, collaboration, learning, socializing and rejuvenating at work.
Prepare for this future by planning for routines that include heading back to the office—for at least a portion of the time.
Do your best and make a positive contribution, but also be choosey about your employer. Give them feedback about what you need from your work experience. Set your expectations high for a workplace that helps you do your best and feel your best.
5. Demand Great Cultures and Leadership
It is also clear that future of work trends will emphasize leadership and culture. Data shows that engagement is at an 11-year low. And research finds that happiness and satisfaction are linked less with whether you’re working remote or hybrid and more with bigger picture aspects of a culture—such as leadership, communication, development, team relationships, pay, recognition and meaningful work.
Companies know they need to improve, and they will have to—in order to attract and retain employees, but also to create the conditions for great performance and work that is fulfilling and satisfying.
Organizations will also have to invest in leaders to develop their skills in motivating, engaging and getting great results for people and the company.
Prepare for this future by engaging and giving your best effort—and demonstrating your formal or informal leadership by influencing others toward the culture where you want to work.
Provide feedback to your employer about what you need from your teammates, your leader and your organization. Be rigorous in what you want from your company—and hold them to high standards that support your work. In addition, recognize others, connect with them and join in as a team player.
Make the Future of Work Happen
Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” And it’s true. There are lots of changes coming, but you can be aware of the future of work trends—and you can prepare, plan and lean in—ensuring your own success and happiness no matter what comes your way.
Dr. Tracy Brower is a Ph.D sociologist writing about happiness, work-life and the future of work. She has been writing for Forbes since 2018. Tracy is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work as well as Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work. In addition, she is an advisor and coach for the Center for Leadership at Hope College and an Advisory Board member for Kids Food Basket. She is also an Executive Council member with the CoDesign Collaborative, as well as an advisor for the Michigan State University Master of Industrial Mathematics Program. She is the vice president of workplace insights for Steelcase and a top-rated faculty member for CoreNet Global. In addition to her Ph.D and MM, Tracy holds a Master of Corporate Real Estate with a specialization in workplace. Her work has been translated into 22 languages. Follow Tracy for coverage on all-things work and life, or reach out here if you would like to connect.
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