The Friday Future Of Work at 4.14pm (Volume 12) Synergy

This week I was lucky enough to be asked to do the opening keynote for the Pinsent Masons All School Conference in London.

Dan #FutureOfWork Sodergren

6 min readJun 14, 2024

Where I talked to schools from across the country about AI and the future of work.

(For legal reasons all the children have to be blurred…)

Nurturing the Next Generation

What amazed me was how quickly the young people understood the concept of the fifth industrial revolution and why it was so important to them. And also how almost ALL OF THEM use AI every week. Remember this was 10 different schools from around the country with ages of young people from 12 to 16.

It was their teachers that were lacking behind, whilst they thought about the future of their own work and education. Which is why I am launching the AI Teacher Course hopefully next month.

I truly believe this is a landscape where the next generation holds the key, but where we, the seasoned professionals, also play a pivotal role. Together, we’ll uncover how connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and human potential are creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment for all.

Being conscious of how we gather?

The future belongs to the next generation, but it’s up to us to lay the groundwork. As we embrace new work dynamics, fostering connectivity remains essential.

Young people need to feel they are part of something. As do many older people too. A new Harvard study underscores the benefits of well-planned internal events for companies that support working from home. These gatherings, even if held quarterly, can boost employee communication by 113%, forging stronger bonds among colleagues.

Interestingly, the highest connectivity boost is observed among groups sharing similar age, ethnicity, and gender. Simple interactions, like sharing an Uber ride, can further enhance these connections.

By organizing smaller local events, we ensure that our future leaders grow in a supportive and cohesive environment.

So fair play to Pinsent Masons for perhaps already realizing this…

They are also ahead of the game when it comes to AI.

The AI Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword

As I spoke about in the keynote for the kids. AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer. For us, the implications are both exciting and challenging. AI researcher Kai-Fu Lee predicts that up to

“50% of jobs could be replaced by AI within the next three years.”

While this may sound alarming, it also opens up a realm of possibilities. An IBM study reveals that three out of four CEOs believe their competitive edge lies in generative AI. Moreover, 81% of office workers feel that AI enhances their job performance.

As we navigate this shift, it’s crucial to prepare ourselves to work alongside machines. With the right mindset, AI can be an empowering tool, helping us achieve more than we ever imagined.

Hybrid Work: Bridging Generations

What else needs to change more… Hybrid work is emerging as a bridge between generations, combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration of in-office environments. In April 2024, 41% of advertised positions offered hybrid work, up from just 10% for remote roles in 2023. This trend reflects a growing preference for a flexible work model.

However, it’s essential to ensure that remote and hybrid workers are not treated as ‘second class citizens.’ Equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their work arrangement, are vital for a fair and inclusive workplace. By embracing hybrid work, we create a dynamic environment where different generations and work styles can coexist harmoniously.

Re-engaging the Workforce

Disengagement is a significant challenge that impacts productivity and morale. Studies by the Gallup Organization reveal that disengaged workers experience higher absenteeism, more accidents, and lower productivity. Conversely, businesses with highly engaged employees enjoy significantly higher job applications and lower turnover rates.

Creating a positive work culture that fosters engagement is not just beneficial for employees but also for the organization’s bottom line. By prioritizing employee well-being and engagement, we can cultivate a thriving work environment for all generations.

Embracing AI with a Human-Centered Approach

I truly believe that AI is going to help with the productivity of the future of work but also for our happiness too. Not only as our different chosen AI’s will help us maximise our life work balance but also as the data our workplace knows about us can be used for our own happiness too.

As a leading voice on AI in the workplace, I emphasize the importance of a human-centered approach amidst technological integration. Very soon I will be lucky enough to follow the legend Bruce Daisley at an event. I don’t know what he will be talking about. But I love how he thinks. And even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything. He is a great voice for progress for the future. Even if he is a little too office centered for my liking.

At the event I will be highlighting how AI is reshaping talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational efficiency. While AI can streamline processes and enhance decision-making, it’s crucial to balance tech-driven efficiency with human empathy.

By understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, our future HR leaders can better navigate ethical considerations and foster a more inclusive workforce. As I often would say when working at Your FLOCK.

“We need to bring the ‘humane’ back to human resources.”

So as we look to the future of work, one word encapsulates our journey: Synergy. By embracing connectivity, leveraging AI, and fostering a human-centered approach, we can create a dynamic and inclusive workforce that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

Let’s move forward with optimism, knowing that the future of work holds endless possibilities for growth and success for both the next generation and us.

I hope you liked this fortnight’s newsletter — at the new time of 4.14pm.

Find out more about me at www.dansodergren.com, and I look forward to creating some content for you all around the closed doors HR event where I’ll be speaking after the legendary Bruce Daisley.

Here’s to you and the future of work.

Yours

Dan Sodergren

This Was Brought To You By My Course:

Achieve LinkedIn Mastery

Unlock the power of LinkedIn with the “Achieve LinkedIn Mastery” course by Let’s Level Up. This comprehensive program is designed to elevate your LinkedIn presence, helping you build a compelling profile, expand your professional network, and leverage LinkedIn’s features to achieve your career goals.

This course is made for you — if you are just starting, as it offers valuable insights and practical strategies to maximize your impact on the world’s largest professional network. LinkedIn.

Join now and take the first step towards LinkedIn success!

And as you are part of my community.

Use code Dan50off and get 50% off.

Achieve LinkedIn Mastery