Future Trends in the Workplace: WorkFair Experts Discuss Developing Inclusive Practices

WorkFair continued with the second panel of the day: Future Trends in the Workplace. Hosted by myGwork, the panel brought together industry experts to discuss the transformative power of inclusive practices, the rise of remote and hybrid work models, and cutting-edge technologies shaping tomorrow's office. Led by host Pepi Sappal, and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, the panel featured Jessica Chu from RS Group, Brad Baumoel from JPMorgan Chase, Mustafa Ozbilgin from Brunel University, Liz Daly from Thomas International, and Kassidi Sorensen from Autodesk, all of whom provided insightful contributions to the discussion at hand.

The panel emphasized the importance of inclusive practices in fostering a harmonious and forward-thinking work environment. The professionals discussed the need to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an atmosphere that celebrates differences and fuels collaboration. Kassidi Sorensen, Employer Brand Manager at Autodesk, discussed how the attitude towards fostering diversity and inclusion has changed over recent years.

"I think by now many companies recognize that fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce isn't just the right thing to do - it's the smart thing to do,” she noted. “It drives better outcomes. The same is also true for sustainability - moving forward we can expect to see more of a focus around ensuring that processes and technologies are sustainable."

The panel also delved into the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models and maintaining a healthy work/life balance for employees. Liz Daly, Talent Development Specialist at Thomas International, emphasized the importance of flexibility to accommodate individual preferences.

"We need to be flexible around all individuals who are starting their careers, like graduates who prefer hybrid work, from an individual perspective,” she said. “We need to do more and put more effort into finding a new way of working and being more flexible."

Image Credit: Canva

As well as workplace flexibility, the panelists discussed the importance of encouraging change in all areas of a company. Voicing that the best way forward was by looking upwards, Mustafa Ozbilgin, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Brunel University, urged organizations to take responsibility for driving lasting change.

"As individuals, we are all increasingly tasked to champion and become allies, and there has been a trickling down of responsibility. I think we need to push the responsibility back up to the organizational level. We need organizations to commit to long-lasting and sustainable change."

The panelists also discussed the steady rise in AI technology, and the impact that it might have on workplaces – particularly in the field of diversity and inclusion. Jessica Chu, Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion at RS Group, highlighted the need for humans to develop essential skills to create a supportive work environment – something that artificial intelligence will never be capable of displaying at the same level.

"We need to think about the skills that our people and managers need, that human skill that they need to look after our people,” she described. “Some of those things are around really leaning in with compassion and empathy to understand somebody's experience that may be very different from yours, and giving them the skills to have those difficult conversations about conflict resolution. That's going to be a really key future trend."

Taking all factors into consideration, the professionals also discussed the importance of sustainability in diversity and inclusion efforts. In particular – trying to implement inclusive methods of thinking in the ongoing fight for a more sustainable and healthier world.

Brad Baumoel, Global Head of LGBT+ Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, stated, "Ultimately we have a responsibility to harness our business to bring in our economic impact for more communities with tangible outcomes that uplift everyone. I run a global dedicated team that is focused exclusively on equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, and we embed the DNI lens into everything we do."

WorkFair's Future Trends in the Workplace panel provided valuable insights into the transformative power of inclusive practices, the rise of remote and hybrid work models, and the pros and cons of cutting-edge technologies shaping tomorrow's office. By fostering a harmonious, forward-thinking work environment that celebrates differences and fuels collaboration, companies can adapt to the changing dynamics of the modern workplace without being left behind. The expertise shared by the panelists serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to navigate the evolving work landscape.