Future of Work

Create dynamic work models that promote agility, flexibility and intelligence

The Future of Work

The 21st century economy requires workers to operate as dynamic and reconfigurable teams that can quickly adapt to business demands and new market requirements — anytime, anywhere, and from any physical location. The Future of Work demands a new level of agility for many enterprises, including embracing the new "normal" of a hybrid, mutable workforce.

As organizations move to new hybrid models of working, automation of tasks and workflows will play an increasingly important role, enabling human workers to drive empathetic leadership, agile practices and innovation.

The Future of Work: A Hybrid, Mutable Workforce

As organizations move to new hybrid models of working, automation of tasks and workflows will play an increasingly important role, enabling human workers to drive empathetic leadership, agile practices and innovation.

A circular diagram representing the Future of Work Framework.

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IDC’s Future of Work framework will help leaders structure work transformation strategies and scope future of work initiatives.

Culture

Engaging and empowering workers requires continuous innovation and a new type of organizational agility. This includes new leadership styles, organizational structures, and performance metrics.

Augmentation

This is the collaboration between humans and technology. This can be full automation, or the extension of human capabilities using technology. Business leaders must enable and embrace the new digital coworker.

Space

The work environment must adapt to support hybrid workforce and culture. Leaders should strive for a borderless digital workspace through technology; a reimagined workplace must be intelligent and dynamic, connected and secure, and independent of a physical place or time of day.

A propellor shaped diagram representing the Challenges of New Work Experience

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IDC’s Future of Work framework will help leaders structure work transformation strategies and scope future of work initiatives.

Inflexible Work Environments

Redesign work models to create intelligent workspaces. Technology parity is essential, all workers must have secure access to the resources required for their jobs, no matter the device they use or their location.

Talent Limitations

A shift to hybrid work requires new workstyles and skill sets. Utilize artificial intelligence-driven dynamic learning and digital adoption platforms that support adaptive, reconfigurable teams turning your talent into a competitive advantage.

Hierarchical Leadership and Rigid Organizations

Hierarchical decision-making and top-down mandates do not align with the need for adaptability and agility. Adopt an agile, cross-functional operating model to foster empathy, empowerment and resiliency.

Mis-Adapted Security, Privacy and Trust

Cumbersome and repetitive security protocols hinder productivity. Create a new paradigm for authentication, security and compliance with trust at the core and make security transparent to worker experience.

Resources

Learn more about IDC’s FoX Research

Virtual Reality: The Next Step in the Future of Work

Read eBook  about Virtual Reality: The Next Step in the Future of Work

Smart Facilities: Using Technology in a Reimagined Workplace

Read eBook  about Smart Facilities: Using Technology in a Reimagined Workplace

Four Ways to Build a Successful Hybrid Work Structure

Read Checklist  about Four Ways to Build a Successful Hybrid Work Structure

Video: Learn how IDC can help you navigate the Future of Work.

Research Programs and Custom Solutions

Future of Work: Research Programs

IDC’s Future of Work Agenda offers thought leadership and advice on key challenges organizations face when identifying and addressing work requirements for the digital enterprise.

Future of Work Core Research programs provide business leaders with the insights and guidance needed to align technology investments with business strategy. Core Research programs include:

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Future of Work: Custom Solutions

IDC’s Future of Work research and custom offerings help you position your solutions to solve today’s complex customer challenges.

  • Custom Analytics – Identify opportunities to address customer requirements and challenges by segmenting the market using IDC’s Future of Digital Innovation framework
  • Thought Leadership – Amplify your message and become a trusted Future of Digital Innovation advisor and solution provider.
  • Business Value – Demonstrate customer and business value of your IT solution.
  • Sales Enablement – Sell more effectively and identify new monetization opportunities in partner ecosystems.

Contact Us to Learn More about the Future of Work