The world of work is changing at a rapid pace. We’ve entered a new era, one where the thriving start-ups and unicorn companies offer innovative services that can be activated at the tap of a button. These companies are design-led and find ways to help people save time and lead happier lives. Entrepreneurs are continuing to find opportunities left and right to unlock billions of dollars in inefficiencies.
The Optix team has set sail on a journey to rethink the workplace.
Accordingly, we find ourselves fascinated by the ways in which the modern worker and their workplace have undergone a complex transformation in the 21st century, and continue to rapidly evolve with no end in sight. One thing’s for certain: the workplace is in dire need of design and software solutions that address the trends that have shaped our modern work environments.
Technology’s sophistication, our increased access to tech, and its effect on the modern worker’s priorities.
80% to 90% of the US workforce says they would like to telework at least part time. — Global Workplace Analytics
How freelancing is no longer an in-between gig, but in fact a respected career path only growing in popularity.
By 2020, at least 40% of the workforce will be freelancers. — Intuit
The coworking world’s approach to leadership and how it’s boldly challenged the more traditional management styles in the corporate world.
“[Early coworking spaces] are an amazing case of success, particularly leadership success. But they did it in a way that was so anti-alpha and so community centric that it really flips on its head all the academic literature on leadership.” — Drew Jones, Co-founder of OpenWork Agency
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With that, we’re thrilled to introduce a new series — Workplace Trends. In it, we’ll dive deeper into some of the trends we’ve mentioned in this introduction article. We’ll speak to their future state, why they’re a trend, and how they stand to affect the future of work. We’ll explore topics that fall into two main categories: people-led, management-led, and macro trends.
People-led trends begin with a change within the individual workers of the world, which then compel organizations and corporations to respond.
Management-led trends start with physically altering the office itself, which in turn affects the ways in which individuals work, collaborate, and behave.
Macro trends involve a change in the surrounding environment. Think globalization and the rising cost of real-estate.
Our first topic? A mobile, flexible workforce. Why is it easier than ever before for individuals to work how they want, where they want, and when they want? Why is this trend so inextricably tied to both the freelancing and coworking movements?
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