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."