The speed of development of industry 4.0 not only requires us to be more agile and adaptive but also to change the existing order and system, including the work environment. Many companies must prioritize efficiency, personalization, and flexibility in their SOPs.
Of the many priorities, here are six trends in the future world of work SAP version:
1. Hybrid Workforce
The pandemic situation has forced many workforces to rapidly expand and implement hybrid work system. This trend then encourages many companies to form teams based on certain functions and skills so that the completion of work does not always have to be concentrated in one place.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace
By automating repetitive tasks, companies can minimize errors and time to complete them. Employees will also focus more on problem-solving and other creative tasks. The existence of AI technology makes it easier for companies to analyze and interpret Big Data while providing other accurate analyses.
3. Employee Inclusivity and Diversity
Creation of a work environment that inclusiveness and diversity have been proven successful in increasing the level of innovation productivity, success and general level of employee satisfaction. In a study conducted by McKinsey, the US company with the most diversity of employee backgrounds is proven to be 36% ahead of its competitors.
When asked about the importance of prioritizing the welfare of employees in his company, Andreas Diantoro, Managing Director of SAP Indonesia, agreed. “To be able to attract and retain productive and competent employees, companies also need to appreciate and support the efforts of their employees. Empowerment of the latest technology and solutions can help them to work more efficiently and confidently. Many companies are already adapting to the ‘future work trend,’ using innovative ideas and utilizing solutions that can transform the work environment, workforce, and the quality of the work itself,” he said.
4. Multi-Generational Workforce
Until now, the trends and work culture applied are the environment created by the baby boomer generation. Going forward, more and more companies will see a mix of generations of the workforce. This heterogeneity will then create various trends that require companies to be able to meet various needs that differ widely between generations. This phenomenon will also encourage faster movement in the labor force.
For this reason, companies must provide opportunities for their employees to improve and develop personal abilities and plan careers properly. Now, a lot of modern HR technology and AI can support personal development programs that can also map the needs of each workforce.
5. Training and Upgrading Workers’ Skills
The actual implementation of AI and digital technologies requires specialized training. Therefore, companies need to organize regular training that can enhance their employees’ ability to use the technology. The use of AI and this new technology will then open the door for various kinds of innovation in the future workplace. For example, utilizing bots to form an immersive and personal work environment according to the abilities and comfort of each user.
6. Prioritizing Employee Welfare and Involvement
A survey in 2020 conducted on 17,000 employees spread across 20 different industries showing that increasing employee engagement in the workplace is the most important factor to be able to build a strong and high-performing business.