Synopsis
There is now a new version of the critically acclaimed book, Future Work, covering the latest developments in working practices that are transforming the workplace. It shows how leading organisations are adapting to rapidly advancing technology, demographic shifts and changing attitudes to work. This expanded and updated edition of the global bestseller sets out the compelling case for a revolution in organizational cultures and working practices, to boost output, cut costs, give employees more freedom over how they work and contribute to a greener economy.
Featuring insightful new case studies and updates on fast-moving trends, the book provides a clear framework and step-by-step guide to introducing new ways of working for leaders, managers and employees, with an extra chapter on how individuals can make change happen. Addressing both opportunities and challenges, this highly readable and inspiring book offers the most up-to-date guidance on modern business and organisational culture for everyone who wants, or needs, to embrace the new world of work.
The way we work is overdue for change. Businesses want to increase efficiency and attract the best talent and skills. The new workforce wants a fresh deal. Aided by technology, companies now have the tools to boost output and cut costs, to give employees more freedom over how they work, and to contribute to a greener economy.
But many organizations are slow to realize this. They cling to a rigid model of fixed working time and presence better suited to the industrial age than the digital age. Managers often equate status with a misguided belief in their ability to control people. Long hours remain the rule, irrespective of whether they improve performance.
This is bad for business. There is ample evidence that trusting people to manage their own work lives, whether individually or in teams, pays off. Organisations that measure and reward people by results, rather than hours, benefit from higher productivity, more motivated workers, better customer service, and lower costs.
Future Work sets out the compelling business case for a change in organizational cultures and working practices, with dozens of examples of companies making the transition, including Gap, Vodafone and Unilever. Drawing on a unique international survey and the experience of pioneering business leaders, it explains:
- Why current flexible work arrangements fail to achieve the business benefits of a wholesale shift to an autonomous work culture
- Why 21st century work requires leadership styles that play to female strengths
- Why offices of the future will be meeting places rather than workplaces
- How managers can help virtual teams to collaborate and ensure that technology is our servant, not our master
This is not crystal ball gazing. A growing number of organizations are showing the way. It takes bold leadership and a break with old habits. But future work will not wait for those who fail to grasp the opportunities now.
Endorsements
“Thought-provoking and motivating, Future Work is a comprehensive guide to how organizations and their leaders can embrace the new world of work. The insight provided by the book has proven to be a useful tool in our journey towards enabling our employees to individually own the way they work.” – David Cole, Chief Risk Officer, Swiss Re
“An invaluable resource for anyone who needs to increase employee productivity and reduce costs, and wants to do so in a way which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.” – Stephen Leonard, General Manager Global Markets – Systems & Technology, IBM
“In the brave new world of virtual work and agile, mobile workers, this new edition shares the journey of visionary people and companies who are charting a course through the waves of change. With detailed examples, case studies and practical recommendations, think of this book as the sextant for your own journey.” – Rebecca Lea Ray Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board
“As a young entrepreneur, I believe Future Work is a must read for business leaders and managers who want to take their organization into the 21st century. With ample evidence that the way most of us work is outdated and bad for business, this book gives wonderful suggestions for tapping the full potential of our workforce and ourselves as leaders of the future.” – Therese Kinal, Co-Founder and CEO of Unleash
“Future Work lives up to its title – it presents a compelling view of how work is being transformed in ways that benefit the employee and employer alike. More than that, it is a compelling call to action that shows us how to create much more flexible and effective workplaces.” – Ellen Galinsky, President, Families and Work Institute
“This provocative book challenges leaders at all levels to consider whether they are truly doing everything they can to unleash the full potential of their women and men – and offers a convincing roadmap for driving organizational performance through more enlightened talent management and work styles.” – John R. Ryan, President and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership
“Alison Maitland and Peter Thomson have assembled an illuminating body of evidence in this robust and readable analysis of work transformation that deserves to become a classic in its field. Using case studies drawn from progressive employers, they spell out why this change is happening and how it can be achieved. Future Work is an essential tool for future management.” – Richard Donkin, author of The History of Work and The Future of Work
“Future Work’ sounds seductive. But very few organizations have actually changed the way they really do work. Maitland and Thomson have painted a comprehensive and compelling picture of what’s possible, going way beyond the typical hype about technology and GenY. And they’ve dug deeply to report many very human stories about how the future of work is happening today, and what it takes to transform the workplace. If you read this book and then put it aside without changing the way you manage, you’ll wind up watching the future of work from the sidelines.” – James P. Ware, Executive Director, The Future of Work…unlimited