The Future of Work: A journey to 2022
PWC’s recent report on ‘The Future of Work‘ gathered the opinions of 10,000 people in China, India, Germany, the UK and the US to compile a diverse understanding of workers’ views on the future of work. Naturally, not all participants agreed on views and opinions varied due to differing contexts and perspectives. As a result, the report concludes that there are three potential business models which could define the future of work. These are:
The Blue Model
Capitalism dominates the world of work and corporations expand both their employee numbers and product and business portfolios. Consumer preferences drive these corporations and profit margins remain highly influential. Corporations focus on efficiency, flexibility and reducing the time it takes products and services to reach consumers. Increased globalisation empowers corporations.
Blue HR: Relies on more advanced metrics, analysis and detailed data to improve efficiency, productivity and the wellbeing of employees.
The Green Model
Corporate social responsibility drives businesses and their employees collectively collaborate to ensure their companies look after the environment and proactively reduce their impact on climate and demographic change. Sustainability is a key decision influencing variable.
Green HR: HR teams empower their employees and encourage them to actively get involved in company decisions. They also strive to help employees shape their future at the company by offering them opportunities and rewards based on their aspirations and goals.
The Orange Model
Larger companies begin to fragment and focus on collaboration via networks of smaller organisations. Clear, effective and timely communication through technological channels breaks down the need for centralisation. Consequently, specialisation takes an integral role in the economy and people begin to sell their skills and services to individuals and companies on a project-by-project basis. This model counters the widening skill gaps amongst people by allowing companies to source talent globally when and where they need it.
Orange HR: Research from Software Advice shows outsourcing and technology are integral to business as they help to reduce workloads and increase efficiency. Furthermore, specialists play a fundamental role in driving the business and HR teams are put in charge of finding such specialists on a project-by-project basis and sorting out the contracts for them.
Obviously, many aspects of these models exist in businesses today and future companies may become hybrid versions of all these models depending on their company and customer needs. Honeydew Health believes these models can actually work in harmony and businesses who incorporate aspects of all three are those which will be most successful in the future. Interestingly, a focus on outsourcing and specialisation are among the predictions of many HR consultancies for the future of businesses and particularly their HR teams.
In which case, why not innovate before it’s too late? Outsource your absence management system to specialists and try Engage today.