The world of work is constantly evolving, and with ongoing technological advancements, the future of work will be nothing like what we have experienced before. As we transition into this new era, we must acknowledge that the format of work in the workplace will change, and it is up to us to adapt to these changes. In this post, I’ll highlight three areas that will shape the future of work in the workplace, with a focus on North America, and discuss the implications on psychosocial wellness.
Remote or hybrid work schedules are here to stay. According to a recent survey conducted by Statistics Canada, 40% of Canadian employees worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to just 10% before the pandemic. The shift to remote work has several advantages, including reduced commuting time and costs, increased flexibility, and improved work-life balance. However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation, disconnection, and loneliness, which can have a negative impact on psychosocial wellness. To mitigate these risks, companies must take measures to ensure that their employees are connected and engaged, such as regular virtual meetings and team-building exercises.
For a vast number of individuals, the traditional concept of working fixed hours for one employer and receiving a salary has become obsolete. Instead, they manage multiple sources of income and work independently on a project-by-project basis. This has led to the rise of the gig economy. According to a recent report by Intuit, by 2021, it is estimated that 7.7 million Americans will work in the gig economy, representing 43% of the workforce. Although, the gig economy offers workers more flexibility and autonomy, it also presents challenges, such as the lack of job security and benefits. This lack of security can lead to stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact psychosocial wellness. To address these issues, companies must ensure that their gig workers are treated fairly and have access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans.
Soft skills are also increasing in importance. We can describe them as character traits that cannot be learned theoretically but must be experienced and practiced in order to be improved. According to a report by Deloitte, 92% of Canadian executives believe that soft skills are important for business success, but only 38% of employees have the necessary soft skills. Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly important, as automation and AI become more prevalent. These skills are essential for creating a collaborative and supportive workplace culture, which can have a positive impact on psychosocial wellness. To develop these skills, companies must invest in training and development programs that focus on building emotional intelligence and other soft skills.
In conclusion, the future of work in the workplace will be shaped by remote work, the gig economy, and the increasing importance of soft skills. While these changes offer many benefits, they also present challenges that can negatively impact psychosocial wellness. In Canada and North America, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote work, and the gig economy continues to grow. Soft skills are also becoming increasingly important, as companies seek to create collaborative and supportive workplace cultures. It is up to us as individuals and companies to adapt to these changes and take steps to ensure that our workplaces are supportive, connected, and focused on developing the skills that are essential for success in this new era.
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