Technology
THREE NEW WAYS OF WORKING IN 2022 AND BEYOND
By Paul Bouchier , sales director at iOCO - an Infor Gold Partner
The time has come about to start thinking about how the world of work should move forward .
While the pandemic , from its onset , forced the adoption of new ways of working , some valuable lessons have also been learnt . These lessons should feed into new strategies that continue long after this crisis subsides . In reality – the workforce , the workplace and work itself will never be the same again .
There are three concepts to consider in preparing organisations for the future . The keys to success in this new world of work are automation , adaption , and actualisation .
When considering automation , I suggest ( based on any particular clients ’ needs ) replacing people with technology . Now , this may sound controversial and even counter intuitive . Most people have taken a protectionist stance regarding the perceived destruction of jobs by technology . However , the Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum predicts that technology will actually create 58 million more jobs than it destroys , which suggests that avoiding automation would hold people back from new opportunities .
The work that automation and technology replace tends to be the repetitive tasks that most people don ’ t find engaging or fulfilling . The outcome of the pandemic-inspired collaboration between people and technology is a more efficient and productive organisation with more satisfied employees who can focus on meaningful work tasks .
To adapt , it becomes essential to stop managing people . People will fulfil their virtually unlimited potential to perform when management trusts them to do so and empowers them with the right tools . The ‘ old-school ’, command-and-control model of management isn ’ t up to the rigours of the current employment environment and remote-work model . It depends too much on strictly defined roles and outdated assumptions about workers ’ discipline , motivation , and commitment . Instead ,
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The work that automation and technology replace tends to be the repetitive tasks that most people don ’ t find engaging or fulfilling .
businesses have discovered that providing their people access to the data , tools , and technologies to work remotely and giving them the opportunity to contribute outside of their assigned job duties can help the entire organisation be more flexible and importantly , innovative .
Thirdly , it ’ s time to actualise by redefining a work-life balance . Despite working remotely – with all the flexibility it affords – studies show that people still find it difficult to juggle their competing responsibilities . The new paradigm erased the line between home life and work life . If a significant portion of work can now be done anytime , anywhere , by almost anyone , employers and governments will need to rethink how to support this more fluid model . Work-life balance has turned into worklife integration . RACA
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
The value of any idea lies in the using of it . — Thomas Edison
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I June 2022 55