The Future of Work is Here – But Are We Ready?
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at WebSummit about the evolving intersection of technology and workplace culture. One core takeaway: while tech is reshaping what's possible, the real challenge lies in ensuring we’re building the right foundation for people to thrive.
Let’s rewind to a fundamental concept: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This framework reminds us that humans seek to meet their basic needs (like safety and belonging) before aspiring to higher achievements (like self-actualization). Yet, when we look at many workplaces today, i’d query if we are truly addressing these foundational needs?
The Reality Check:
Toxic behaviours still make headlines weekly, costing U.S. businesses $223 billion in churn alone over the past five years.
Many organisations think “culture” is defined by perks like Pizza Fridays or team outings. In truth, culture is shaped by the worst behaviours tolerated daily—whether that’s microaggressions, harassment, or inequitable processes.
The Way Forward: To build a thriving workplace in an age of AI and rapid innovation, companies must prioritise psychological safety and foster speak-up cultures. This means:
Designing trusted reporting channels where employees feel safe raising concerns.
Moving beyond damage control to proactive, preventative approaches.
Using data to bridge the gap between “stated” and “lived” company values.
The Opportunity Ahead: Some organisations are already leading the way. They leverage tools and insights to align behaviour with values, ensuring inclusivity is built into the fabric of their culture—not treated as an afterthought.
As you consider the future of work, I challenge you to reflect:
Is your company actively preventing toxic behaviours, or merely reacting to them?
At InChorus, we’re passionate about helping HR teams tackle these challenges head-on with data and technology. But whether or not you use a platform like ours, let’s agree on this: the time to act is now.
Let’s build workplace cultures where everyone can reach their full potential. How is your organisation preparing for the future of work?Drop WEBSUMMIT in the comments below and i’ll share a link to our talk.
