The 4 major trends at work: what are they?

The 4 major trends at work:

The world of work is constantly evolving, and in recent years it has seen major changes. Technological advances, the search for meaning, happiness at work and the collaborative enterprise are revolutionary trends that are redefining the world of work as we know it. These changes are a response to the needs and aspirations of workers and companies, and are having a significant impact on the way we work, interact and collaborate.

Curious to know what our bedimacans had to say on the subject, we asked them directly in an internal survey. The result? Their opinions converge on these 4 changes and give us a better understanding of the future of the job market.

1. Technological advances

"A major development is automation, the accelerating replacement of human tasks by artificial intelligence and the exponential evolution of communication media."

Technological advances in communication such as video conferencing tools and online collaboration platforms have indeed been fertile ground for change in the world of work by enabling greater flexibility and more effective remote collaboration.
AIs, on the other hand, will radically transform the way we work and essentially present themselves as sources of optimization for various tasks. They can help automate repetitive tasks, improve decision making and increase process efficiency.

2. Happiness at work

"One of the big changes in my opinion is the notion of well-being at work and the recognition of the importance of this: whether physical (ergonomics), mental (concentration, fatigue, stress), individual or collective.

Happiness at work is a concept that has gained momentum in recent years, and was widely discussed at the last "Hub Forum on the Future of Work" in November 2022. The finding? Employees don't just want to be satisfied anymore...they want work that is meaningful, that allows them to grow personally and professionally, and that gives them a sense of accomplishment.

In response to this growing need for happiness, we see things like:
new positions:

Chief Happiness Officer,
much more flexible working hours,
more fluid and personalized office layouts
etc.

"In the office, we create living spaces, meeting places, which encourage exchange. Today's worker is looking for a company where he can be happy at work (individual and collective well-being), flexible in his tasks and in his way of working, that will allow him to find a meaning in what he does".

3. A quest for meaning

"A decade ago, workers worked for their employer, who in turn worked for the good of his company. Today, the perspective is reversed [...]. There are two reasons for this evolution: on the one hand, workers have become more protected and demanding individuals, and on the other hand, they seek meaning in their work by participating in projects that have a broader scope."

Most workers today are looking for meaning in their work. To understand how it fits into a larger purpose and how it can contribute to something of value to society.
Work is no longer seen as a simple obligation, a necessity to earn money and provide for basic needs. Today's employees want to feel connected to their work and know that it has a positive impact on the world.

"For the new generation, work should be food, but also exciting. Their goal is to enjoy life.

Journalist Emilie Vidaud addresses this quest for meaning very well in her book "The Social Calling." It explores the growing trend of workers seeking meaning and purpose in their work, as well as ways in which companies can respond to this quest to create a work environment that encourages employees to become more invested and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

For example:

clearly define and communicate the company's mission, values and vision,
provide opportunities for personal and professional development,
encourage autonomy and initiative,
adopt a responsible and sustainable approach,
create a culture of collaboration and mutual support

4. The collaborative enterprise

"[...] We are looking for more horizontal structures in order to gain in growth and well-being by relying on the strength of people. Without going into collective decision making, the value comes from collective brainstorming, with established working frameworks and no longer hierarchical structures of control".

Instead of focusing on individual results, the collaborative enterprise emphasizes collaboration and cooperation among team members to achieve common goals.

"[...] The influence of the OneLife concept that fosters a collaborative and supportive culture: creating a work culture that fosters collaboration, open communication, problem solving and mutual support."

Ludmilla PetitLudmilla Petit, corporate governance coach, reminds us that there is no single model of collaborative management. It is above all a philosophy based on fundamentals such as :

The organization must be driven by its purpose,
The human being has a central place,
The establishment of a framework with well-defined values, principles and rules,
Autonomy on how each person can carry out their projects

This autonomy can also be applied to the management of schedules and the choice of work location.

"The organization of our time and the way we work is changing, borders do not exist (less). A task whether it is done at home, in the office or abroad, will remain a task done. The worker needs more flexibility."

The idea of a more collaborative business can also take hold through the implementation of flexible offices. Employees can work together on projects, share their skills and knowledge. This contributes to a more open and collaborative company culture.

"The Flex Office is not only an organizational change, but also a change of mentality in the working world, especially in Belgium. The desire to stick to a more flexible system, less fixed hours, respecting the rhythm of the workers when possible. We are moving from a structured and organized system to a more flexible system with a concern for the environment."

In conclusion, the world of work is changing, and the revolutionary trends discussed above are redefining the way we work. At Bedimo, we believe it is crucial to understand these changes and integrate them in order to remain competitive in the labor market.

You wish to benefit from our expertise?
Trust our teams.

What are the 4 major and revolutionary trends in the world of work?