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
How to heal the heavy blow of a retiring workforce
What are the solutions to help your business and current staff cope with the retiring workforce – not just today but for the future?
The STEM world is evolving, attitudes are changing – should we be panicking?
The evolving global economic climate has triggered significant shifts in the concerns and priorities of STEM professionals, leaving some ...
Engineering skills aren’t really changing but job titles are
Yves Urban asks whether changing traditional job titles could attract more people to the engineering industry.
The next jobs boom will be in green tech
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high.
Why hourly rates for tech contractors are still rising
Long-established sectors like banking and energy are snapping up IT professionals as digital transformation accelerates
What are the five trends shaping life sciences?
As new treatments are developed and technology offers greater efficiencies, there is a huge demand for STEM talent in the life sciences s...
New thinking is needed to tackle drug shortages
Advanced manufacturing, smart supply chains and data have important roles to play in improving market access.
How companies can capitalise on the global megatrends
Three key areas of focus that can make firms attracting more STEM talent these days
Five global megatrends fuelling STEM recruitment
Demand for STEM talent is on the rise, but what is driving the increase?