As technology continues to change work practices, it’s important to look proactively at ways to future-proof workplaces — here is some much-needed help for overcoming the new challenges that the future of work presents
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Robert Half
Hone your professional interpersonal skills
AI, automation and machine learning are expected to become a large part of the digital workplace. New technology will help to remove time-consuming tasks, and employers are expecting professionals to hone the interpersonal skills that will help them collaborate and communicate more effectively.
Tip: to ensure collaboration is smoother, make an effort to learn some of the jargon your colleagues use within their specialisms. You might also find it helpful to limit your own jargon so communication is clear and direct.
Familiarise yourself with new workplace ethics
Ethical standards in the workplace are changing to address new concerns surrounding the protection and use of data; compliance, governance and risk are now an immediate concern for organisation leaders, rather than an afterthought.
Tip: in order to make sure all your ideas, actions and initiatives are low-risk, and within the letter of the law, try making time to regularly catch up with your organisation’s compliance officer.
Learn to resolve conflict quickly
The digital workplace hinges heavily on communication and collaboration across teams, making relationships with colleagues more important than ever before.
Tip: instead of letting disagreements delay projects, aim to resolve them quickly using constructive, open discussions. When in doubt, involve senior leaders to help find a quicker resolution.
Create and maintain welcoming work environments
Work environments will see a physical transformation as organisations strive to create collaborative spaces and to foster a strong and positive company culture.
Tip: rather than arranging meetings in your own workspace, try holding sessions in a neutral space which caters for the comfort of everyone else.
Be open to change
As the fourth industrial revolution approaches, organisations need employees who are resilient, and willing to adapt to change.
Tip: you can make a head start on developing your resilience by requesting clear goals and mental health support from organisation leaders, and by working on your communication skills.
Finding new ways to meet
It’s thought that future workplaces will focus more on the distribution of work across teams – and even across other companies. In order to accommodate everyone, professionals will need to embrace new technologies to facilitate meetings.
Tip: seek out new software platforms that allow colleagues on and off site to meet easily. Be conscientious about your meetings – set an agenda and make sure you only invite individuals who need to be present.
Manage stakeholder priorities
The pace of both the economy and technology is speeding up, making the future of work subject to fast and drastic change; as a result, stakeholder priorities may become harder to manage.
Tip: endeavour to start communicating honestly with stakeholders regarding concerns around deadlines, resources and the scale and/or complexity of projects or tasks.
Take a proactive approach to requesting human resource
Project delivery speeds are increasing so rapidly that you may find it beneficial to request additional support from a temporary member of staff. Working with someone from outside your organisation can lighten your workload, help you upskill, and improve your communication skills.
Tip: be candid about the skills you need from a temporary worker so that a recruitment company can help you find a qualified fit – someone who is able to add faster value when they arrive.
Focus on digital upskilling
For 71% of employers, it’s a struggle to find professionals with the digital skills needed to roll out transformation initiatives and work with new software. Being proactive about upskilling can set you in good stead for the future.
Tip: aim to keep your digital upskilling in line with your career objectives, so you can retain your level of work satisfaction while increasing your professional value.
Take advantage of flexible working
A digital workspace can help facilitate a better work-life balance for professionals, so it makes sense to take advantage where you can.
Tip: approach management to suggest software for collaborative working, project management or remote working, so that you and your team can enjoy more balance and flexibility.
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