Future of Work Insights (DisruptHR)
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Disrupt HR Future of Work conference in Brisbane.
It was great to get such a variety of stakeholders together in one room, sharing their perspectives in bite-sized TED-X style presentations about the evolving world of work.
My Talk Takeaways: A Kaleidoscopic View of the Employee Experience
To design workplaces where people thrive, we need to understand that everyone has a unique experience of the workplace, with different preferences and perspectives. We need to consider the Future of Work disruptors that shake up these employee experiences, and the enablers that offer support for all of our people and their unique needs.
Some key takeaways include:
1. Embracing the Multi-Generational Workforce
One of the most interesting disruptors in today’s workplace is the presence of five different generations working together. The power dynamics are shifting, with Millennials and Gen Z holding a larger share of influence and bringing very different motivations compared to older generations. This diversity means we need to approach workplace policies and culture with a more nuanced understanding. It’s all about harmonising these varied perspectives to prevent cultural divisions and fostering a cohesive work environment.
2. Redefining Flexibility and Technology Integration
Flexibility and technology are reshaping the future of work in exciting ways. Flexible work arrangements are here to stay, and those organisations that can collaboratively renegotiate the employer-employee value will stand out. The rise of AI and other technologies also means we need to rethink workforce planning. It’s essential to help our employees work alongside technology rather than feel like they have to compete with it. This involves investing in upskilling and reskilling to keep everyone relevant and comfortable with new tech, reducing fear and anxiety.
3. Fostering Sustainable Performance and Preventing Burnout
Performance expectations have changed, and so must our strategies to achieve and sustain high performance. Navigating complexity is now a key indicator of valuable talent. However, sustaining this requires a deliberate approach to work that aligns with our human capabilities, not just mimicking robotic efficiency. We need to balance work demands and create environments that support well-being, helping to prevent burnout and enabling employees to maintain high performance over time.
4. Honing in on Vertical Development Opportunities
Traditionally, we’ve invested in “Horizontal Development” - developing new skills and capabilities. While this is still relevant, more than ever, we need to prioritise Vertical Development, which enables people to broaden their perspective and openness to other views. This capacity helps us navigate speed and complexity, and dial up our sensemaking, so we can solve tricky problems, make sound decisions and stay buoyant in turbulent times.
Fellow Speaker Highlights:
The night offered a great blend of speakers, presenting insights into both the human and tech elements of the Future of Work.
If I had to pick three highlights, I’d mention:
Holly Brailsford talked about an emerging AI approach to mentoring, and integrating AI to take the bureaucracy out of mentoring programs. AI could do some of the “grunt work” and do it better, taking out some of the labour-intensive paper trail. Mentors and mentees could then focus on nurturing the relational, human aspects of mentoring, which are central to success.
I also loved Caroline Starecky's presentation about the importance of drawing outside the lines and the disconnect in our traditional systems. We've been conditioned to fall into line, in fact our system rewards it. By the time we work our way through the school system, we've learnt to conform and work within the lines, and this really stifles our ability to be creative and innovative. Unlearning what we've learned is tough, but is a priority so we’re able to thrive today.
Alison Brady talked about stress and its negative impact in the workplace - just how big that problem is, the cost of it. She detailed the importance of a preventative approach, and the key role of the workplace in actually boosting well-being, rather than work being one of the major contributors to poor well-being.
A huge thank you to DisruptHR, all my fellow speakers for sharing your expertise, and attendees who created some thought-provoking discussion. It’s great to be part of such important conversations for a good cause. See you at the next one!
If you’re looking for a keynote that gets cut-through, let’s chat. I regularly present on the future of work, employee experience, workplace culture, optimal performance, and a human way to deliver on strategy.
