Over the next decade employers will have to adapt to support four new working cultures, according to a forward-looking report from Unum and the Future Laboratory.
This “Future Workforce” report says trends such as artificial intelligence, flexible working, and an ageing population will have a profound effect on the workforce over the next 10 years.
Based on a survey of 3,000 UK workers and analysis of these trends, the report predicts four ‘worker cultures’ likely to evolve over the next decade.
It has called these the ‘tech enhanced worker’, the ‘obligated worker’ the ‘self-fulfilled worker’ and the ‘socially committed’ worker and says employers need to alter benefits package to attract and retain these employees.
It survey found that 49 per cent of workers would be interested in technology that boosts their performance. These tech-enabled workers would strike for peak performance through continued advances in technology.
It pointed out that they will be willing to share personal data in return for workplace enhancement, and expect workplace benefits that reward commitment to increased productivity.
The ‘obligated worker’ includes those in the ‘sandwich generation’ attempting to balance raising children with care for ageing parents. Around 77 per cent of employees surveyed say flexibility at work is important to them and would be looking for this from their employer.
The report says they are looking to build a career tailored to their life stages and events, and believe an entrepreneurial mind-set and multiple careers are essential.
In contrast the so-called ‘self-fulfilled’ worker is also looking to flexibility, but more out of choice than necessity.
Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of workers expect to work for longer, and will expected to have multiple careers, rather than one structure lifelong career. The report says these workers will be driven less by loyalty to an employer – but will be attracted to opportunites to learn and hone new skills.
The socially-committed worker feels strongly that companies have a duty to make a positive contribution to society. Around 6 out of 10 (59 per cent) workers survey say they want to work for a company with a powerful social conscience.
As a result employers need to be aware of the impact that their business has on communities and the wider environment.
Unum’s chief executive Peter O’Donnell says: “Today’s major societal trends will have a very significant impact on UK business and the needs and expectations of the workforce over the next decade.
“Employers will need to think ahead to ensure they attract and retain talent within this new landscape – be it through integration of new workplace technologies, clearly laying out their sustainability credentials or introducing role-sharing to enable greater flexibility.
“We hope this report gives advisers food for thought, as well as practical ideas, around how to help employers prepare for the workforce of tomorrow, today.”