The future of work – talent required

There is much interest in the changing world of work. Drawing on academic research, global surveys and research findings, this chapter develops five themes which capture anticipated changes in the work environment. The five themes we identify are macrostructures (including emerging business models and ecosystems); internal organisational structures (including the move to more agile, project-based work); demographic changes (including changes in work participation and global resourcing); technological opportunities (including the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ as a result of robotics and AI); and changes in career expectations (including an increased interest in employee experience and joint ownership of career). These five themes are then related to talent management, raising some significant questions which organisations need to be ready to address. The chapter concludes with coaching questions to help the reader to apply what they have read.