Read 10 insights about the future of work with CEO Ramesh Ramani

Modern work begins and ends in the digital space. It doesn’t matter which industry or skill set we are discussing. Nowadays, there is always a digital component to work. This is ultimately good for business because digital technology can enable greater efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness. Businesses have experienced radical changes in the last few years, but more are coming.

Today we’re sharing 10 insights about the future of work from our CEO Ramesh Ramani’s perspective. As a digital technology company, we’re always thinking about the future of work and how our technology must adapt and change to cater to users’ needs. Here’s what Ramesh sees coming.

1. The future of work will rest on digital experiences.

If there was one way to summarize the future of work, it would be with the words “digital experiences.” We will continue to see the importance of digital experiences in the working world beyond simply providing our teams with technology. The digital experience is the primary way companies interact with their employees and customers interact with brands. This happens on company websites, through company-sponsored technology (like the learn-tech stack), and in a variety of communication forums. We will see more companies prioritize their digital experiences by investing in technology, design, and the functionality of their digital systems so that they can reach more customers. This change has already begun, and we’ll see more companies follow the example of industry leaders.

2. Companies can and will offer flexibility for employees.

Flexibility at work has become a requirement, and we won’t revert back to previous workplace standards. Yes, flexibility may look different for each company or for each employee, but all will offer it. Employees will be supported by technology that can operate both in the office and from remote locations. We will witness the growth of the desk-less workforce. This does not mean no workers will be in the office, but rather that no single place (or desk) will be their primary place of work. They will be flexible—working from a variety of locations. Companies must offer flexibility, or they will lose out on top talent.

3. Tech will be driven by mobile-specific functionalities.

Because of the flexibility that modern workers require, companies will invest in technology that enables various types of work. Mobile-specific tech functionalities will be critical. As companies expand, redevelop, and adjust their tech stacks, mobile operability will be non-negotiable. Software and tech platforms will not be valuable to companies if they do not offer full mobile functionality. Even further, this mobile-first mindset will drive innovators to create mobile-specific functionalities. Instead of simply adapting desktop technology to function on a mobile device, developers will create mobile-first experiences that offer unique functions that are not possible on desktop devices.

4. Learning technology will be the most important element of a modern tech stack.

We may have a bias towards learning technology, but we wholeheartedly believe that it will be the most important element in a modern tech stack. We are confident for a few reasons. First, learning technology enables better employee experiences through streamlined onboarding training, ongoing certification and compliance training, and upskilling initiatives. These are the offerings that employees expect from their companies, and they have a direct impact on employee engagement.

Second, learning technology (like LMS software) shortens the path from learning to sales so that sales enablement is a faster and more effective process. In a time of economic volatility, companies must equip their sales teams to be effective, and learning tech does this. Finally, learning technology can be used to support customers and expand business opportunities by providing another point of connection between the brand and its customers.

5. Successful companies will have streamlined digital processes.

The future of work is faster and smarter. Technology is already capable of making businesses more effective and streamlining processes, but too few companies are enabling that technology. Streamlined digital processes will be a new priority for many businesses. Changes to work in the last two years have highlighted the problems that come with a lack of digital processes, and companies will work to relieve the burden on employees by providing better structure that is enabled by technology.

6. The future of work will be location-independent.

There are only a few jobs in which location is essential. Most work can be completed from any location, especially when employees are enabled with the right technology. We’ll see more companies open up jobs to a wider variety of applicants. Budgets for office spaces will continue to decrease. Yes, some companies have already made this shift, but there’s an ongoing push and pull happening that has employees fighting for flexibility and leaders struggling to give it. Ultimately, flexibility and location independence will win out. This is for the best, however, because companies will be open to a wider pool of talent.

7. Technology will be collaborative.

As the modern workforce evolves, technology will be the bridge that connects leaders, workers, partners, and customers. The primary function of technology in the future of work will be to facilitate collaboration. We’ll see more companies leverage technology to encourage teams to connect, create new ideas, and work together toward innovation. The future of work will be less siloed because technology will support better collaboration.

8. Certificate and skills verification will be essential components of work.

As more companies embrace remote and hybrid work, certificate and skills verifications will be essential so that managers can be confident in workers’ skills. We recently launched the ONE-Profile card, which caters to this exact need. Users can scan a QR code, and their device screen will populate with certifications and compliance data. Remote skills verification (through digital technology) will help companies ensure the safety of their employees and their customers.

9. Employee retention will rest on a company’s ability to support team members and provide new growth pathways.

The employee experience has become even more important to the function and success of companies. Employees are looking to work for companies that will invest in their careers and futures. Equipping employees with reskilling and upskilling courses is one of the best ways leaders can encourage retention and create better workplace experiences. On top of this, employees need to understand the pathways to promotion so that they can pursue their goals and feel satisfied in their work. Investment in skills and support for employee growth will become a standard for employee experiences.

10. Technology will make or break the bond between employees and their managers.

As more companies embrace hybrid and remote work offerings, the question of whether or not workers are—in fact—working will weigh heavily on leaders’ minds. This is a challenge leaders are facing now and one they will continue to face. Many companies have opted for greater surveillance of employees through the use of technology. This will be a challenging balance because greater surveillance can breed employee resentment and distrust. Leaders will have to strike a balance and leverage technology in a way that ensures business outcomes and simultaneously caters to the employees’ needs.

Is your company prepared for the future of work? If you’re ready to reevaluate your tech stack and implement learning technology, contact us today for a free demo of our LMS platform.