Another year has drawn to close, what trends and challenges will be facing us in 2019? Hear from industry experts and leading workplace specalists as they discuss everything from productivity and flexible workplaces, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, video conferencing, chatbots and diagnostic tools contained within meeting room technology.
Here’s what they had to say about future predictions and workplace trends for 2019.
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The four-day-week
Jackie Furey Director and Graham Bird Director
It’s highly likely that 2019 will see a significant increase in the number of companies adopting the ‘four-day week’ and evidence suggesting that reduced hours need not impact productivity, will certainly continue to grow. The year will also see larger organisations taking a public stance to become greener in a reaction to concerns on global warming and the plastic pollution crisis.
We are also likely to see artificial intelligence make progress in terms of how it shapes the way we work, which could potentially lead to an increase in automated roles such as receptionists, helpdesk and financial management. Use of virtual reality in the office will also make leaps, which could see a change in the traditional office space as we continue to communicate and work collaboratively from any location.
The use of Chatbots
John Hilderbrands, Director of Presales Consultancy, Condeco
Although it’s a relativity new technology for the workplace, the rise of chatbots within business will only increase. According to a study by spiceworks, only 3 percent of organizations using this technology have a policy in place on how to use intelligent assistants, chatbots, or other forms of AI, and just 1 percent of organizations offer employee training on how to use AI in the workplace.
As the popularity increases through the next few years, businesses will start to implement training programmes and create policies which will be incorporated into their overall digital transformation strategies.
Workplace diversity and inclusion
Rachel Reece, CEO for Global Butterflies, Vice Chair Law Society LGBT Solicitors Division
In 2019 the UK Government will report on their Gender Recognition Act consultation. Diversity and inclusion training within the workplace will see more organisations working towards education programmes and workshops, including trans-inclusion, on their own recognisance. The idea of 3rd party diversity league tables will continue to lose relevance as companies see the positive benefits on their own for education and training across the wider business.
Collaboration and meetings
Jane Hammersley, European Business Manager, Collaboration, Maverick
Meetings will double – sound impossible? Executives already spend 70%+ of their time in meetings and this trend will continue, however greater efficiency will actually result in MORE meetings for everyone. This will be through better communication platforms, and organizational wide adoption will enable efficient and productive meetings.
Meetings will take place outside of the traditional meeting room environment as the trend to work remotely continues and technology delivers an inclusive meeting experience for all. Diagnostic tools contained within meeting room technology will deliver more effective control and management, resulting in more meeting time from existing spaces.