With so much uncertainty – what will the workplace of the future look like for businesses across the globe? Our virtual event explored this issue in detail.
Will increased flexibility impact inclusivity? How will a lack of geographical barriers impact hiring decisions? And will companies need to re-think the way they build teams?
In one of our roundtable discussions, SThree CEO and fellow thought leaders from Salesforce, Retail Me Not, and VM Ware discussed the opportunities and challenges that a virtual working environment presents for both employers and professionals.
Want to know a little more about what was discussed? Check out some of our biggest takeaways below.
Lessons from the Pandemic: Building the future of work
There is no more room for excuses
Pre-pandemic, the US unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 2.5 times higher than the national average. In some cases, employers were unwilling to make investments needed to allow for a divergent workforce. But increased remote working in the future will open talent pools and enable a more diverse workforce to thrive.
Good leaders will shine more
The focus on output, productivity and value is going to be the only real way to measure performance. This gives leaders a real opportunity to shine and help to develop skills within their team – those who can communicate effectively, deliver clear instructions, and lead teams to achieve results will thrive in the workplace of the future.
Tech-enabled engagement
When leading large teams, finding the best way to communicate with team members on an individual basis can be tough. Using tech to build connections gives leaders the opportunity to reach out and offer support to those who may need it most. Yes, a virtual environment might present obstacles when it comes to engagement – but if good leaders are taking the initiative, there’s a huge opportunity for teams to be more connected than ever before.
Inclusivity strategies must be addressed
New levels of flexibility will likely lead to increased inclusivity – which is great. But we can’t forget that while remote working may enable diversification of teams in some areas, there will be those that are negatively impacted. For example, people with hearing or vision impairments may struggle when working from a laptop or communicating in virtual conference calls. Business leaders will have to address this and make sure that adaptions are made for those in need – everyone needs accessibility, regardless of the environment.
Building the Future of Work
There is a huge question being addressed right now – how do we find time to complete work and stay social without Zoom-fatigue? We have an opportunity to build the future and addressing this challenge will be an integral component of that.
Find your next role
Discover life-changing jobs in engineering, life sciences and technology with game-changing companies around the world. Are you ready?
Seek sought-after specialists
Draw on our global network to recruit the best professionals and find the skills you need tomorrow, today.
Read more insights
Diversity in engineering
Advising and supporting our clients on how to hire without bias.
Breaking the Glass (BTG) programme helps to address gender disparity in STEM
Empowering women to access roles and promotions in STEM through our Breaking the Glass community programme.
Carbon dioxide removal is increasing demand for STEM expertise
Capturing and storing carbon dioxide is set to play an important part in efforts to halt climate change. What jobs and skills will be nee...
The women in science who are building a sustainable world
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science who are in the fight to build a better world.
Micro-credentialing: Can it be The Future of Work And Learning?
The value of micro-credentials for workers and organisations
Will the rise of contracting continue?
Our research shows that contracting continues to grow in popularity, but will temporary roles soon outnumber permanent ones? Explore what...
ESG during a recession – why should employers still care?
SThree’s Director of Purpose and Inclusion, Gemma Branney, shares her views on why ESG becomes even more important during economically to...
Flexible staffing solutions for challenging times
Companies increasingly want to staff projects with on-demand and agile STEM skills, during tough times employers want flexible options. F...
Seven challenges employers in STEM face in the next 10 years
With STEM roles becoming ever more crucial to the global economy, what are the key issues facing companies operating in that environment?