Post-2022 Work: The Future is Now – or is it? A 3-Part Blog on the Future of Work
What will work look like in your organization, post-2022? When the pandemic ends, which new normal adaptations will endure? What new beginnings may be possible for you and/or your organization as we “reawaken” from our COVID slumber?
Our common response to massive disruption, such as a pandemic or a full-scale war, is to hope for and assume things will return to “normal”. However, they never do. I mean, do we really want to return to all the old ways of doing business? How much of our system and structure is antiquated and constructed to support a world that is waning or no longer exists? What skills and roles are or will be obsolete?
This topic comes up frequently with our clients right now. And it makes sense: planning for an uncertain future is challenging, even for great leaders and managers. They want to avoid old “bad” habits, and incorporate new policies and processes that make sense for their organization, including their employees.
Savvy leaders and managers understand the importance of an effective strategy, careful planning, and great execution in order to emerge from this global reset.
But do we truly know, and understand, how our work has been changed? Are we willing to take a sober look at our organizational architecture and move out from under the tottering edifice of hierarchy? Can we envision what a truly collaborative, empowered structure might look like?
When the Pandemic Ends…
A massive disruption provides an opportunity to examine how things were before, including our view of the future. These situations happen infrequently, but, when they do, they create a tsunami of change – a PARADIGM SHIFT!
Based on an analysis of consumer and business trends, The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) recently published a report on the future of work. According to MGI, remote work, digitization, and automation were accelerated by the pandemic. They predict that these trends will “have a lasting impact on workers and work, even after the pandemic.”
It is incredibly wonderful how so many have come together to create solutions, now and for the future. It is truly remarkable how we adapt, remaining flexible, creative, and productive through-out the process.
A Paradigm Shift changes the way we work, learn, and live. It alters our perceptions and expectations. As Joel Barker says in his 1980’s book –“Future Edge” – it turns everything back to zero and levels the playing field. But, I’ll dive in to that in another post.
In the meantime, what do you think? What will work look like in your organization, post-paradigm shift? When the pandemic ends, which new normal adaptations will endure? We’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment and let us know what’s changing in your worklife that you need to be ready for?