What Did We Learn About the Future of Work at Davos?
Kate Whiting | World Economic Forum | January 30, 2025
The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos explored the future of work, with a focus on the need for reskilling and flexible work arrangements. Experts highlighted the looming global jobs crisis, with 1.2 billion people set to enter the workforce in the next decade but only 400 million jobs expected to be created. To address this, leaders emphasized the importance of starting skills development early, in schools, and continuing lifelong learning. There was also a call to reorient education systems to better match technical skills with employer needs. Recruitment strategies that value resilience over perfect academic records were also discussed. Employers were urged to embrace flexible arrangements, as talent becomes scarce. The discussions also touched on the potential for migration to help fill labor shortages, though with the need to ensure a "win-win" approach.
Will Fewer Workers Seek New Jobs in 2025?
Amrita Ahuja | Staffing Industry Analysts | January 30, 2025
According to a recent survey by Robert Half, the job market is set to see a shift in 2025, with fewer workers planning to seek new jobs. The survey found that only 29% of US workers plan to look for a new job in the first six months of the year, down from 35% in a July 2024 survey. The top factors driving career satisfaction include skills and experience aligning with their jobs, a healthy work-life balance, competitive salaries, fair workloads, and positive work culture. Despite fewer professionals planning a job search, 95% are confident in their skills and abilities, with 77% reporting learning a new skill in the past 12 months. This trend could pose challenges for employers looking to expand their teams, as they will need to be strategic in attracting top talent in a crowded market.
How Celebrating Milestones Can Boost Company Culture and Success
Brandi Watterson | Forbes | January 31, 2025
The Forbes piece highlights the importance of celebrating milestones to improve employee morale, foster a sense of belonging, and drive future success. The author emphasizes that defining clear, achievable milestones and regularly recognizing progress can activate the brain's reward system, fuel motivation, and strengthen company culture. When companies involve team members in the goal-setting process and reflecting on lessons learned, they can create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
What Practical Steps Can Leaders Take to Create a "Holding Environment"?
Lisa Blosser | FastCompany | January 23, 2025
This article explores how leaders can better support employees during times of crisis and hardship. It emphasizes the importance of creating a "holding environment" - a safe space where people can process emotions and adapt to new realities. The author argues how hardship disrupts routines and challenges identities, why leaders should not avoid difficult conversations but rather show up with empathy, and shows practical steps like active listening, acknowledging emotions, and providing resources that can help employees feel supported. The article underscores that leadership during hard times is not about having perfect words, but about having the courage to be present for one's team.
What’s Holding Organizations Back From Maximizing the Benefits of Flexible Work?
Remotely Work Podcast | January 29, 2025
Flexible work is here to stay, but many organizations still struggle to make the most of it. A Wellington-based flexible work specialist helps leadership teams refine their approach, ensuring remote and hybrid work aligns with strategic goals. In a recent workshop with a New Zealand public service agency, the team faced end-of-year fatigue, grappling with the pressure to implement training before the holidays. Leaders voiced concerns about talent retention, diversity, and burnout prevention, seeking a unified vision for flexibility. The session highlighted a key challenge: despite broad support for remote work, organizations often lack a clear, data-driven strategy to optimize its benefits. Many rely on anecdotal experiences rather than structured approaches, leading to inconsistent execution. The podcast highlights the need for alignment at the leadership level to create meaningful change, ensuring flexible work is more than just a policy - it becomes an effective, sustainable practice.
