As the landscape of work evolves rapidly, organizations face a critical juncture. According to a new report from McLean & Company, a leading HR research and advisory firm, those organizations that successfully adapt to the shifting labor market and technological advancements will gain a significant competitive edge. The report emphasizes that inclusive, equitable, and rewarding workplaces are key to attracting customers, investors, and top talent, ultimately driving organizational success.
Diverse Perspectives on Work’s Future
Will Howard, Director of HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company, notes, “For some, the future of work promises unprecedented freedom and flexibility. For others, it will bring uncertainty and instability.” The role of organizational leaders is pivotal in shaping the trajectory of their workplaces. To foster environments where all employees can thrive, leaders must evaluate and address the various change drivers influencing the workforce.
Research Methodology
The Future of Work report references data from a 2024 survey conducted with 802 HR and non-HR respondents, including senior leaders (60%), management (15%), and individual contributors (25%). Participants represented diverse regions, such as North America, Europe, Oceania, and Latin America, across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail.
Key Change Drivers
McLean & Company identifies three significant change drivers reshaping the workforce landscape:
- Technology: Reimagining Human Work
- As technology, including AI and generative AI, becomes integral to work processes, organizations must focus on enhancing human-technology collaboration. Leaders are encouraged to invest in developing durable skills like creative thinking, resilience, and adaptability, rather than solely technical expertise.
- Labor Market: Different Faces and Places
- The ongoing talent shortage poses challenges that are likely to persist. Factors such as an aging population and low birth rates contribute to this issue. Additionally, survey data indicates that 31% of employees foresee engaging in gig work by 2030, highlighting the need for organizations to adapt to this evolving workforce dynamic.
- Work and Workers: The Shifting Value Exchange
- Today’s workers expect their employers to act as impactful social institutions, contributing positively to society while providing fair compensation. The survey revealed that 57% of employees prioritize pay, while 71% of younger employees would consider leaving for organizations with a greater social impact.
Change Impacts on Organizations
The report outlines six unique change impacts organizations must navigate to thrive:
- Mission, Vision, Values: A Value Proposition for All
- To attract and retain top talent, organizations must articulate a clear employee value proposition. Currently, only 22% of organizations have done so, presenting a gap that needs addressing.
- Employee Development: Durable Over Technical
- As employee development becomes more personalized and continuous, organizations must ensure that all employees recognize the necessity of skill enhancement. The firm advises viewing learning and development as essential investments, not discretionary expenditures.
- Organizational Design: Fluidity and Flexibility
- A robust understanding of skills and technology will differentiate competitive organizations. With only 26% of respondents expecting improved job quality and compensation by 2030, organizations need to design work that aligns with the evolving human-technology relationship.
- Leadership: Managing Energy, Not Tasks
- Leadership definitions are transforming, requiring a focus on people rather than tasks. The survey revealed that 73% of leadership respondents believe leadership skills will need to change significantly to adapt to future challenges.
- Collaboration: No Longer Exclusively Human
- Organizations must optimize collaboration by integrating technology to enhance communication and ensure inclusivity. Adapting collaboration experiences and empowering employees will be crucial for future success.
- Wellbeing: Surviving the Loneliness Epidemic
- As technology improves productivity, it may also contribute to feelings of isolation. The report indicates that 51% of employees view wellbeing as a top concern for the future, necessitating a holistic approach to nurturing interpersonal connections.
The Future of Work report from McLean & Company highlights that how organizational leaders prepare for and navigate these change drivers will significantly impact their organizations’ ability to thrive in an unpredictable environment. By proactively addressing these challenges, leaders can foster workplaces where employees not only survive but truly flourish.
