For Global Executive and Employees, Innovation and Flexibility Lead the Future of Work

Research shows that executives and employees around the world see the future of work as ripe for innovation. Additionally, workplace safety planning and flexible ways of working that include remote work remain top of mind.

As many of us continue grappling with a global pandemic that has upended the traditional ways of working, looking to the future inspires more questions than answers. However, according to a new survey, executives and employees around the world see the future of work as ripe for innovation. Additionally, workplace safety planning and flexible ways of working that include remote work remain top of mind of many workers around the world.

Software company Service Now’s conducted a global survey in September of 900 C-Suite leaders and 8,100 employees across 11 countries on what the future of work beyond COVID-19 will look like. Responses indicated that the COVID crisis has created an environment ripe for innovation, with 92% of executives acknowledging that COVID has forced them to rethink their traditional ways of working. Additionally, this new environment has forced many companies to transition to new ways of working faster than they thought was possible.

Remote Work and Flexibility Remain Top Priorities

This new, exciting environment filled with change doesn’t come without challenges or detractors. According to the survey, 60% of employees want to maintain new ways of working, but 47% of executives want to return to old ways of working. Executives are concerned about delays in product or service delivery (54%) and about how remote work will impact their business going forward (93%). They’ve had to quickly pivot their policies and strategies as this crisis has taught many companies that employees desire flexibility and remote work. According to the survey, employees enjoy saving time on commuting (54%) and a better work-life balance (49%).

Planning for the Safe Return to Work is Crucial

Further, employees remain skeptical that their employers will take the necessary safety precautions when returning to work. 60% of employees believe their company will prioritize business continuity over workplace safety, while 46% don’t believe their company will take necessary steps to ensure employee safety. It is imperative that companies come up with a workplace safety plan that prioritizes the safe return to work and the health and wellbeing of employees.

Digital Innovation is Leading the Way Forward

Thus, the future of work remains likely to be flexible, remote, and ripe for innovation. According to the survey, COVID has reduced operational expenses for 88% of business that has freed up resources for areas like digital innovation. Leading the way into the future of work are digital processes that often involve mobility, as mobility professionals leverage technology to recruit and sustain critical roles within the global workforce. From analytics for retention, to artificial intelligence for talent acquisition, to technology that simplifies the assignee experience, mobility leaders will be crucial in understanding digital systems that help companies better manage talent.

Want to learn more?

This year’s Global Workforce Symposium is a month-long, virtual event that features informative and engaging content tracks that are directly relevant to all our industry sectors. In addition to dynamic speakers, an extensive marketplace and exhibition hall, innovation labs and networking opportunities and events, there will be robust concurrent educational sessions and workshops on topics like the implication of remote work, achieving business growth, crisis leadership, and much more. There’s something for everyone at the industry’s biggest annual gathering, so don’t miss the Virtual Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium from 28 October through 20 November 2020. Register now!