Revolutionising the Workspace with Innovative Workforce Models
"Plunging into change, moving with it, and joining the dance." - Alan Watts encapsulates our modern era's workplace transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic propelled us into a new way of working, presenting fresh challenges, while also presenting incredible opportunities. In this article, we delve into innovative workforce models that have emerged as a response to these changes.
Shifting from Local to Remote: Broadening Talent Horizons
Prior to the global pandemic, remote work was a speculative concept for most businesses. Talent sourcing primarily centred around localities, favouring those who could physically commute to work. However, this changed when, in 2020, 60% of the UK workforce transitioned to remote work. This shift allowed businesses to examine the advantages and complications of operating remotely. As a result, companies have begun exploring a more flexible approach to talent sourcing. They are now concentrating on fulfilling skill gaps remotely, potentially on a national or even global scale, rather than focusing solely on local talent.
The Liquid Workforce: Fluidity in Talent Sourcing
The move towards a more skills-focused approach to talent sourcing is hardly a leap into the unknown. Corporations like Accenture have embraced this model for years, and have even coined the term 'liquid workforce'. The liquid workforce is a system where technology is used to transform teams and entire organisations into highly adaptable entities. Embracing this model provides businesses with a competitive edge in today's volatile economic climate. Early adopters of these changes stand to reap the most significant benefits.
Seizing Growth Opportunities through Nearshore Outsourcing
Nearshore outsourcing has proven to be a popular alternative to traditional workforce models, especially in light of the pandemic. This model provides businesses with access to high-quality talent under mutually beneficial terms and often at a more budget-friendly rate. Nearshore teams can seamlessly integrate into existing remote models, filling critical skill gaps and extending in-house capabilities.
Blended Workforce Approach: A New Way Forward
In just a few months, the majority of UK businesses transitioned from primarily office-based operations to remote work. While the shift has raised questions about the necessity of fixed office spaces, the physical office environment remains crucial for building company culture and fostering a richer sense of community. Given the prediction that 26% of Brits plan to continue working remotely in some capacity, organisations must strategise to develop a hybrid model that caters to various work styles.
Hot-desking and Co-working Spaces: The Future Office
The rise in remote work could likely lead to an increase in hot-desking and the utilisation of co-working spaces. This shift towards a more dynamic office environment would need to go hand-in-hand with digital transformation initiatives to ensure equal support for on-site and remote workers.
Building Inclusive Digital Workplace Environments
Creating a digital work setting that mirrors the traditional office environment is a significant challenge when teams are split between on-site and remote locations. Leadership figures must recognise remote workers' limitations and develop strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace culture. This could involve leveraging technology to hold virtual meetings, collaborative project brainstorming sessions, and more.
Img. 1. Visualising the evolution of various workforce models.
Embracing the Future of Work
Predicting the future of the modern workplace is no small feat. Will the traditional office become obsolete? Will we all adopt the liquid workforce model? Or will we see yet another drastic transformation in the working world? These are questions only time can answer. What is certain, however, is that change is inevitable and already in motion.
The learnings from the last year's risk assessments and remote work trials will unlikely return us to the pre-pandemic levels of permanent in-house staffing. Organisations are now poised to find flexible solutions that can be scaled back or ramped up as required. The coming twenty-four months will play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of the modern workplace.
Concluding Thoughts
Workforce models are at the precipice of a massive transformation, driven by the swift shift towards remote working and the rise of digital technology. Businesses must be proactive, open-minded, and adaptable as they navigate through this new normal. Now is the time to rethink existing structures, optimise opportunities, and pave the way forward in the revolutionising workspace landscape.