The Future of Technology in Shaping the Workplace

Technology is transforming the world of work in unprecedented ways. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to digital platforms and remote work, technology is creating new opportunities and challenges for workers, employers, and society. How can we prepare for the future of work and ensure that technology serves human values and goals?

In this essay, I will explore four main trends that will shape the future of work, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023. I will also discuss some ethical considerations that need to be addressed when using technology in the workplace. Finally, I will suggest some ways that the people profession can help shape the future of work for humans.

 New Tasks

Technology will enable workers to perform new tasks that were not possible before, such as creating digital content, designing user interfaces, or managing data pipelines. These tasks will require workers to have a combination of cognitive problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technology literacy skills.

These new tasks will offer workers the opportunity to unleash their creativity, learn new skills, and add value to their organizations. However, they will also pose some challenges, such as the need to constantly update their skills, cope with the uncertainty and complexity of new tasks, and balance their workload and well-being.

To succeed in these new tasks, workers will need to adopt a growth mindset, embrace lifelong learning, and seek feedback and support from their peers and managers. They will also need to develop their emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability to deal with the changing demands and expectations of their roles.

 Disrupted Tasks

Technology will also disrupt existing tasks that are routine or repetitive, such as data entry, accounting, or customer service. These tasks will be automated or augmented by machines, requiring workers to adapt to new ways of working or find new sources of value.

These disrupted tasks will offer workers the opportunity to free up their time and energy for more meaningful and rewarding tasks, such as collaborating with others, solving complex problems, or making strategic decisions. However, they will also pose some challenges, such as the risk of losing their jobs, skills, or identity, the need to reskill or upskill, and the potential impact on their income and security.

To cope with these disrupted tasks, workers will need to be proactive, flexible, and open to change. They will need to identify their strengths, interests, and values, and explore new career paths and opportunities. They will also need to seek guidance, mentoring, and coaching from their employers, educators, and networks to help them transition to new tasks.

 New Roles

Technology will create new roles that are not defined by existing occupations or industries, such as data scientists, AI engineers, or digital marketers. These roles will require workers to have a broad range of skills across different domains and sectors.

These new roles will offer workers the opportunity to pioneer new fields, innovate new solutions, and work across boundaries and disciplines. However, they will also pose some challenges, such as the lack of clear career paths, standards, or regulations, the need to collaborate with diverse and multidisciplinary teams, and the potential ethical dilemmas or social implications of their work.

To excel in these new roles, workers will need to be curious, entrepreneurial, and visionary. They will need to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and competencies, and leverage their unique perspectives and experiences. They will also need to engage with their stakeholders, customers, and communities, and ensure that their work is aligned with their values and goals.

 Reshaped Roles

Technology will reshape existing roles by changing their scope, complexity, or impact. For example, some roles may become more collaborative or creative than others; some roles may become more strategic or influential than others; some roles may become more ethical or responsible than others.

These reshaped roles will offer workers the opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their responsibilities, and increase their impact. However, they will also pose some challenges, such as the need to adjust to new expectations, standards, or metrics, the need to balance their autonomy and accountability, and the potential conflicts or trade-offs between their personal and professional goals.

To thrive in these reshaped roles, workers will need to be confident, competent, and committed. They will need to update their skills, knowledge, and behaviors to match their new roles, and demonstrate their value and contribution to their organizations. They will also need to align their roles with their purpose and passion, and pursue their aspirations and ambitions.

Ethical Considerations

Technology is not only changing how we work but also why we work. As we enter a new era of work shaped by technology, we need to rethink our purpose and values as workers. We need to ask ourselves: What kind of work do we want to do? What kind of impact do we want to make? What kind of society do we want to live in?

The Future of Jobs Report 2023 also highlights some ethical considerations that need to be addressed when using technology in the workplace. These include ensuring fairness and transparency in decision-making; protecting privacy and security of data; promoting diversity and inclusion; fostering well-being and resilience; and balancing human and machine capabilities.

These ethical considerations are not only important for workers but also for employers and society. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used in a way that respects human dignity, rights, and interests, and that workers are treated fairly, equitably, and humanely. Society has a responsibility to ensure that technology is used in a way that benefits the common good, and that workers are supported, empowered, and protected.

The Role of the People Profession

The people profession plays a vital role in managing technology-driven change in the workplace. People professionals can help shape the future of work for humans by:

- Developing a people strategy that aligns with the business strategy and vision for technology adoption

- Assessing the current state of skills and capabilities across the workforce

- Designing learning programmes that equip workers with relevant skills for new tasks

- Supporting workers through transitions from disrupted to new tasks

- Creating inclusive cultures that embrace diversity and innovation

- Ensuring ethical standards are embedded in technology design and use

- Evaluating the impact of technology on performance outcomes

The people profession can also help shape the future of work for themselves by:

- Embracing technology as an enabler, not a threat, and leveraging its potential to enhance their own work

- Developing their own skills and competencies in areas such as data analytics, digital literacy, and change management

- Adopting a strategic, proactive, and consultative approach to their work, and becoming trusted advisors and partners to their stakeholders

- Demonstrating their value and impact to their organizations, and advocating for the people agenda

- Aligning their work with their purpose and passion, and pursuing their professional development and growth 

Conclusion

Technology is a powerful force that can transform the world of work for better or worse. It is up to us, as workers, employers, and society, to shape the future of work for humans. We need to embrace the opportunities and challenges that technology brings, and ensure that technology serves human values and goals. We need to prepare ourselves for the future of work, and create a future of work that works for us.