Unit 10 Workplace of the Future

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Overview

Welcome back to the final unit of the LDRS 617 course. In this unit we will also learn about the workplace of the future. COVID-19 has changed the workplace ever since it began. Workplaces have changed since then, and we need to incorporate future workplace concepts into our practice of employee engagement and stewardship at work. Let’s get started.

This unit is divided into the following topics:

  1. Workplace of the Future;
  2. Final Assignment for LDRS 617 – Assignment 3.

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to:

  • Consider a spiritual model of leadership and the practice of transformational servant leadership in relation to the engagement and stewardship of people.
  • Critically reflect upon engagement practices and stewardship responsibilities of leaders in relation to their organization’s human resources (people), including addressing both the task and people factors within an organizational culture.
  • Examine the effectiveness and shortcomings of an organization and its current engagement and stewardship practice.
  • Apply best practices towards creating a high level of employee loyalty within the organization.
  • Investigate the critical roles of the leadership group, the Human Resources Department, and immediate supervisors towards creating high employee loyalty.
  • Assess the practices of recognition and design a standard of practice to successfully create a culture of loyalty and recognition with organizations.
  • Develop critical thinking skills and best practices application in relation to employee engagement and stewardship from the operational leader’s point of view.

Resources

Online resources will be provided throughout this unit.

10.1 Workplace of the Future

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted labor markets globally during 2020 (McKinsey Global Institute, 2021). The following are trends indicated in the report on the workplace of the future to create a better work experience.

Jobs with the highest physical proximity are likely to be most disrupted. A hybrid workplace setting will be a popular trend for the future workplace.

  • Remote work and virtual meetings are likely to continue, albeit less intensely than at the pandemic’s peak.
  • COVID-19 may propel faster adoption of automation and AI, especially in work areas with high physical proximity.
  • The mix of occupations may shift, with little job growth in low-wage occupations
  • As many as 25 percent more workers may need to switch occupations than before the pandemic.

Companies and policymakers can help facilitate workforce transitions

  • Businesses play a larger role in retraining workers, as Walmart, Amazon, and IBM have done. Others have facilitated occupational shifts by focusing on the skills they need, rather than on academic degrees. Remote work also offers companies the opportunity to enrich their diversity by tapping workers who were unable to relocate to the superstar cities where talent, capital, and opportunities were concentrated before the pandemic.
  • Policymakers could support businesses by expanding and enhancing the digital infrastructure.

The recommended reading for this week by “Deloitte Insights” (2021) will provide more information on the above trends.

Learning Activity: Reflect and Respond - Questions to Consider

  • To begin this learning activity, make sure you have done the reading of the assigned Report for this Unit.
  • Assume that you are the leader of your organization and respond to the following questions. Please include your answers in your LDRS 617 final assignment (Assignment 3) due this week/Unit.

For Online students, request the final submission date to your instructor or facilitator.

Note that this question will help you prepare for session discussion.

Summary

Congratulations on completing unit 10 and reaching this stage of the course. You will now complete your final assignment (Assignment 3). You will use the contents of LDRS 617 to organize your final project after reviewing everything you learned in class and through your readings. You can find the Assignment 3 guidelines under the Assessments tab to help you with your final project. Moreover, the workplace for the future assigned reading could help you develop a deeper understanding of employee engagement and stewardship.

References

  • Bridger, E. (2018) (Chapter 8) - Employee engagement: A practical introduction.
  • Brodzik, C., Lamar, K., Shaikh, A. (2021). Tech Report 2021. Deloitte Insights Publisher. Tech-Trends.pdf.
  • Peters, J. (2019). Employee Engagement: Creating High Positive Energy at Work (eBook).