The workplace of the future: how jobs are changing and what to expect
The world of work is changing. Many jobs today didn’t exist 20 years ago. New technology, like artificial intelligence, is changing how people work. Some jobs are disappearing, while others are being created.
Because of this, young people need a mix of skills to succeed. Knowing just one thing isn’t enough. Problem-solving, communication, teamwork and adaptability are all important. These skills will help young people prepare for jobs that don’t even exist yet.
Remote and hybrid work: the future of flexible workplaces
The Covid-19 pandemic changed how people work. It showed that remote working is possible and can be successful. More people now work from home and use technology instead of going to an office every day. Businesses use more digital tools, and teamwork across different locations is more common. Hybrid work gives employees more flexibility to balance their jobs and personal lives.
Some companies are now working a four-day workweek to offer more flexibility:
- Iceland’s trial (2015-2019) - Workers had an extra day off but kept the same pay. They didn’t have to squeeze their former working week hours into less days. Workers just did their normal working days for four days and had an extra day off. The results showed the trial improved productivity and work-life balance.
- The UK - Over 200 companies now offer a permanent four-day workweek with no pay cut
- Flexible working rights - UK employees can now ask for flexible working from their first day of working. They can request changes to:
- The number of hours they work
- Their start and finish times
- Their workdays
- Where they work
Office spaces are also changing. With more people working remotely, offices are being used for meetings and events instead of daily work. This allows businesses to be more flexible.
These changes mean employees have more control over how and where they work, leading to happier and more productive teams.
AI and the future of work: how artificial intelligence is shaping jobs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of many jobs. Businesses use AI to handle tasks like answering emails, organising schedules and sorting data. This means employees can focus on work that needs creativity and problem-solving.
AI helps businesses save time and reduce mistakes by automating tasks. Some common uses include:
- Customer management - AI tracks customers, predicts sales and personalises communications
- Marketing automation - AI sends emails, suggests products and studies customer behaviour
- Predictive analytics - AI looks at past data to help businesses make better decisions
- Payroll processing - AI powered payroll automates tasks, calculates wages and speeds up payroll
- Cybersecurity - AI detects threats and protects important data
AI is becoming more common, so digital skills are now more important than ever. Young people must learn to work with AI and use new tools. Being able to adapt to technology will help them succeed in future jobs.
Learn more about how you can prepare for the future with AI-powered payroll.
Create a happier, healthier workplace by prioritising employee wellbeing
Work isn’t just about earning money. Companies now understand that happy, healthy employees work better. Businesses are focusing more on mental health, work-life balance and employee engagement.
Young workers expect more from employers. They want:
- Fair pay and good benefits
- Mental health support
- A good work-life balance
- A workplace where they feel valued
Employee benefits matter. Many companies offer extra perks like gym memberships, mental health support and flexible working. These benefits help attract and keep good workers.
Financial wellbeing is also important. Money worries can affect work. When employees struggle financially, they may:
- Take more sick days
- Struggle to focus while at work
- Feel less motivated
Companies that support financial wellbeing see better results. Employee-focused payroll systems help by offering:
- Payroll savings - employees can save money directly from their wages
- Fair wages – making sure they’re paid at least the National Living Wage for every hour they work
- Paying bonuses – to reward hard work, long-service or achievements
- Offering salary advances - giving access to wages in emergencies and to help manage their money
When businesses support financial wellbeing, employees feel safer, work harder and stay longer. Looking after workers benefits both employees and companies.
Find out how AI-powered payroll improves financial wellbeing. Book a demo here
Essential skills for the future of work: what young professionals need to succeed
Jobs are changing, and young people need a mix of practical and personal skills. Being able to learn, adapt and work well with others is just as important as technical knowledge.
Cognitive skills for the workplace – why problem-solving and critical thinking matter
Thinking skills are just as important as technical skills. Employers need people who can think clearly, solve problems and make good decisions. These types of skills include:
How critical thinking and problem-solving are key skills for the future workplace
Every job needs problem-solving. Employees must look at information, spot problems and find solutions. Innovation is also key. Businesses want employees who think creatively and bring fresh ideas.
Young people can develop these skills by:
- Asking questions instead of accepting information
- Working on puzzles or strategy games
- Taking part in debates and discussions
- Learning from mistakes
Creativity and innovation are essential skills for adapting to the future of work
Creativity isn’t just for artists. Every job needs people who can think in new ways and adapt to change. Businesses want employees who come up with new ideas and better ways to work.
Young people can develop creativity by:
- Brainstorming ideas without judging them too soon
- Learning about design thinking, which helps solve problems by focusing on user needs
- Being open to change and exploring different ways to do things
Tackling challenges in the future workplace with complex problem-solving
Some problems are simple. Others take time and careful thinking. Complex problem-solving helps employees understand big issues, find the real cause and create the best solution.
Young people can develop problem-solving skills by:
- Breaking big problems into smaller parts
- Asking “Why is this happening?” to find the root cause
- Looking at different solutions before choosing the best one
- Planning group work or events
- Doing in-depth research instead of accepting the first answer
Employers value problem-solvers because they help businesses run smoothly. The better someone is at solving problems, the more career opportunities they’ll have.
Interpersonal and intrapersonal are key skills for the future workplace
Knowing how to work with others is just as important as technical skills. Employers look for people who can communicate well, work in teams and handle challenges with confidence
- Interpersonal skills help people build good relationships at work. These skills include talking clearly, listening and working well with different people
- Intrapersonal skills help people understand themselves. These skills include staying motivated, managing emotions and handling stress
Both types of skills are important for success in any job.
Communication and collaboration – essential skills for workplace success
Good communication is one of the most important skills in any workplace. Employees need to share ideas clearly, listen carefully and work well in teams. Without this, tasks take longer, mistakes happen and teamwork becomes difficult.
Collaboration means working with others to achieve a goal. In most jobs, people don’t work alone. They plan, solve problems and make decisions as part of a team. Clear communication makes teamwork easier and helps avoid confusion.
Ways to improve communication and teamwork:
- Practice active listening - pay attention when others speak and don’t interrupt
- Join group activities - team sports, student projects or volunteer work help develop teamwork skills
- Speak in front of small groups - this builds confidence in public speaking
- Learn to give and receive feedback - accepting advice and helping others improve is a key workplace skill
People who communicate well and work well with others are always in demand. Good teamwork helps businesses run smoothly and makes work more enjoyable.
A key to building strong workplace relationships is emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage emotions - both your own and other people’s. It helps employees stay calm under pressure, build strong relationships and handle workplace challenges.
Ways to develop emotional intelligence:
- Pay attention to your emotions - notice how you feel and what triggers your reactions
- Practice empathy - try to understand how others feel by listening and seeing things from their point of view
- Learn to manage stress - use deep breathing, short breaks or exercise to stay calm in difficult situations
- Reflect on mistakes - instead of getting upset, think about how to do better next time
People with strong emotional intelligence work better with others. Employers value this skill because it improves teamwork and creates a positive work environment.
Leadership and social influence: inspiring and guiding others in the workplace
Leadership isn’t just about being the boss. It’s about inspiring others, making good decisions, and helping a team succeed. Strong leaders motivate people, solve problems and bring out the best in others.
Ways to build leadership skills:
- Take responsibility in group projects - leading a project or helping organise a task is a great way to practice leadership
- Learn to delegate - share tasks instead of trying to do everything alone
- Practice decision-making and problem-solving - think about different solutions before making a choice
- Watch great leaders and learn from them - watch how good leaders communicate, make decisions and guide their teams
Employers look for people who can lead and influence others in a positive way. Leadership skills help workers stand out and create more career opportunities.
Digital technologies and the skills needed to drive the future of work
Technology is a part of almost every job, and it will only become more important. Businesses use computers, artificial intelligence and digital tools to work faster and smarter.
Employees need to understand technology to do their jobs well. This includes working with data, using new software and staying safe online.
Digital literacy: mastering technology for workplace success
Being comfortable with technology is essential for success in the modern workplace. Almost every job now involves computers, apps or online tools.
Digital literacy means knowing how to use these tools correctly and safely.
Ways to develop digital literacy:
- Learn how to communicate professionally - writing clear emails and using online messaging properly
- Practice researching online - checking multiple sources to find accurate information
- Understand online safety - learning about strong passwords, data protection and sharing information
Employers need workers who can adapt to new technology. The more digital skills a person has, the easier it will be to succeed in the workplace.
Tech adaptability – learning new tools and thriving in the digital workplace
Technology changes quickly. Employees need to learn new tools fast and be open to change.
In the workplaces of the future, young people will need to use different types of software, artificial intelligence and digital systems.
Ways to build tech adaptability:
- Try out new apps and software - exploring different programs helps build confidence in using technology
- Take online courses - learning new digital skills through tutorials or training programs
- Stay updated on tech trends - reading about new technology to stay informed
- Practice problem-solving – embrace new digital tools instead of avoiding them
People who can quickly learn and adapt to technology are more valuable to employers. Companies need workers who can grow with the digital world and keep up with new innovations.
How businesses can prepare young people with essential skills for the future of work
Businesses play a big role in preparing young people for work. They can help by offering training, mentoring and real-world experience.
Work experience placements: giving young people a head start in their careers
Work placements give young people real job experience. They learn how workplaces run, gain new skills and understand what employers expect.
These placements help develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving. They also give young people confidence and a clearer idea of their future careers.
Mentorship guides the next generation towards workplace success
Mentorship connects young people with experienced workers who can offer advice, support and guidance. A mentor can help them learn about the workplace, develop skills and build confidence.
Mentors share experiences, answer questions and give career advice. This support helps young people make better career choices and feel more prepared for work.
Developing real-life skills with project-based learning
Project-based learning helps young people develop skills by working on real challenges. They apply their knowledge, solve problems and work in teams.
Examples include:
- Creating a business plan
- Designing a product
- Running an event
This hands-on learning builds confidence and prepares them for real workplace tasks.
Preparing the workforce for the future of work
Employees must keep learning to stay ready for new challenges.
- Upskilling – Improving current skills
- Reskilling – Learning new skills for different jobs
Examples include:
- A factory worker learning to use automated machines
- A marketer learning new social media trends
- An office worker using AI tools to work more efficiently
Businesses can support this by offering training, online courses and career development programs. Employees who keep learning are more confident, adaptable and valuable to employers.
Building skills for the future by supporting young people
The future workplace will bring new opportunities, but young people need the right skills. Employers play a key role in preparing them.
By offering work experience, mentorship, training and development, businesses can build a skilled workforce. Encouraging continuous learning ensures employees stay ready for change and new challenges.
Investing in young people today means stronger businesses and a better future for everyone.
The future of work starts with better payroll. See how payroll innovation can reduce stress, improve productivity and support financial wellbeing. Request a demo here.
