If it feels like robots, machines, and algorithms are out to take our jobs, then you’re right. According to a World Economic Forum report, these technological marvels will account for 42% of work done in 2022. As robots take our jobs, you’re probably thinking “How can I future-proof my job and organization?”

If you’re worried about the future of work, BigSpeak Speakers Bureau works with some of top future-of-work keynote speakers who can help you prepare. These future-of-work experts are researchers, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. They can help consult with your business to get you on the right track.

If you want to get an idea of things to come, here are six ways work is changing.

1) Diversity As Your Superpower

The future of work will be about diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E & I). Gone are the days of one size fits all. Welcome to the world of niche products, services, and marketing. It’ll take more work for your organization to adapt—however, the rewards are worth it.

According to diversity and inclusion keynote speaker Risha Grant, studies by numerous organizations show companies who focused on their D, E, & I had increased profits, more innovation, more engaged employees, and increased market share. If you want to future-proof your organization, you will need to focus on diversifying your employees so you can diversify your market share.

2) Emotional Intelligence

As machines and computers take over our more repetitive tasks, work will become more about getting along with people and using our emotional intelligence. While the focus on emotional intelligence has been around since the 1990s, it’s more important now than ever. 

Leadership and emotional intelligence experts Dr. J.P. Pawliw-Fry and Bill Benjamin point at emotional intelligence as the key to good leadership and management skills in the future. Empathy will be essential for building diverse teams and including people at work.

3) Continued Learning 

If it feels like work is constantly changing, it is. This is why continued learning will become one of the most important skills for employees and leaders alike. Future-of-work expert and author of The Adaptation Advantage Heather McGowan says employees and leaders will need to adopt a flexible mindset and to earn to unlearn as machines take over our manual and repetitive tasks. Learning to unlearn old methods and processes will be key to adapting to the way things are changing. 

4) Increased Creativity

Creativity and problem solving will become one of the top skills for employees and leaders as machines take over simple tasks. Those who don’t learn how to think creatively will be left behind. Creativity and innovation keynote speaker Natalie Nixon stresses we will need to emphasize our creative problem-solving skills to take on tasks that computers and algorithms will not be able to solve. 

5) Flexible Work

The traditional idea of a 40-hour workweek in the same location has changed into the new concept of flexible work—work anywhere and on your own schedule. Tsedal Neeley, bestselling author of Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere, says workers want freedom and flexibility in their schedules. Since flexibility had increased worker productivity, the trend of employees working when and where they want will continue. The challenge will be learning how to manage those teams and individuals for your business.

6) Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become even more critical as teams and individuals work from home or different locations in the world. Cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill points out the pandemic moved many employees from secure networks at their business to their homes where they have a variety of ill-equipped computers and inconsistent software. 

However, the biggest threat to our information might not be our outdated hardware and software. Instead, the biggest threat may be the information we share over social media, allowing cybercriminals to create more personalized attacks.

If you’re interested in preparing for the future of work, contact BigSpeak Speakers Bureau today to hire a future-of-work keynote speaker or consultant.

For More on the Future of Work Read

Diversity and Inclusion Will Be Your Company’s Strength in 2018 and Beyond

Former FBI Agent Eric O’Neill on Cybersecurity During a Pandemic

Remote Work is Here to Stay