In recent years, the world of work has undergone continuous transformation, with significant shifts in how tasks are performed. From the rapid rise of remote work to the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, these emerging trends are reshaping the future of work. In this article, we’ll explore nine ways we believe the world of work will evolve over the next decade.
- AI and automation will dominate small to mid-scale businesses
- Smart technology will become a workplace essential
- ‘Decentralized offices’ will gain momentum
- Empathy-driven leadership styles will become the norm
- In-person work will become more intentional
- Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates will still be pushed by some leaders
- Coworking spaces will continue to surge in popularity
- Workspace amenities will become a competitive differentiator
- Companies will tap into the global talent pool
AI and automation will dominate small to mid-scale businesses
The rise of AI is not a surprising prediction — it represents the most groundbreaking technological advancement since the internet. Already, workers are using AI tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. While there are concerns about AI replacing jobs, there is growing excitement as well. With the global working-age population shrinking, businesses must achieve more with fewer human resources. This is where generative AI and automation play a crucial role.
Companies are now automating tasks that once relied on human input, such as data entry, bookkeeping, and inventory management. As a result, productivity will skyrocket across industries, driving substantial economic growth. AI and automation are forecasted to have a combined global economic impact of $15 trillion by 2030.
Generative AI is also expected to shift demand for skills. While it may reduce the need for certain roles, it will simultaneously create new jobs and increase demand for specialized skills in AI development, machine learning, and other emerging fields.
Smart technology will become a workplace essential
Smart technology is more than a passing trend; it’s a transformative force that’s revolutionizing how we utilize office spaces. Many workplaces are already implementing smart lighting systems and automated desk booking software to boost efficiency, improve comfort, and promote sustainability, potentially cutting energy costs by up to 90%. AI meeting assistants are also becoming mainstream, with professionals using them to record calls, transcribe conversations, and provide summaries.
Over the next decade, we expect these innovations to intensify. Entire buildings could soon operate autonomously, with AI managing energy consumption, maintenance, and environmental controls — all without human intervention. AI meeting assistants may evolve to suggest action items or generate new ideas during discussions.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also expected to become workplace essentials. Currently, 41% of meeting and event professionals are experimenting with VR in 2024. By 2034, VR and AR will be fully integrated into daily work routines, allowing distributed teams to collaborate in immersive virtual environments, redefining the future of work. It’s an exciting future to look forward to!
‘Decentralized offices’ will gain momentum
The 2020s marked a seismic shift toward remote work and hybrid work models. In response, many businesses have adopted a ‘decentralized office approach,’ which involves setting up smaller, distributed offices instead of maintaining a single, centralized headquarters.
This strategy can take various forms. Fully remote companies might have employees working from diverse locations, such as their homes or flexible, on-demand coworking spaces. Hybrid companies, on the other hand, may use part-time offices for a core team, while other employees work from coworking spaces or day offices in locations that suit them best.
As we look ahead, these decentralized office strategies will become more widespread. By 2030, the number of global digital jobs that can be done remotely is expected to rise by 25%, reaching approximately 92 million. This presents businesses with an unprecedented opportunity to tap into a global talent pool, driving economic growth and innovation.
To adapt, companies will need to embrace decentralization by creating networks of accessible locations. We predict that more organizations will abandon the traditional single HQ in favor of the ‘hub-and-spoke’ model, which will redefine how offices operate in the future of work.
Empathy-driven leadership styles will become the norm
It’s no secret that Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge in prioritizing mental health and work-life balance. A staggering 71% of Gen Z and Millennial employees cite ‘work-life balance’ as the top reason for staying at their current job, and 64% would even turn down a promotion to safeguard their well-being.
What’s more surprising is that 69% of workers report that their managers have a major impact on their mental health—on par with the influence of their partners and 28% higher than that of therapists. This highlights the critical role that leadership plays in shaping workplace culture and employee well-being.
Looking ahead, as Gen Z steps into leadership roles over the next decade, we predict an empathy-driven leadership style will emerge. These leaders will prioritize understanding over hierarchy, showing flexibility by accommodating different work schedules and creating environments where employees feel most comfortable. This shift in leadership approach will likely lead to improved employee satisfaction, mental health, and overall work-life balance.
In-person work will become more intentional
Since 2020, the shift to remote work and hybrid work models has reduced the frequency of in-person team meetings. Take Livit, for example — a remote-capable company that’s unlikely to have its entire team working under the same roof, reflecting a broader trend in the workplace. For hybrid companies leasing full-time office space, this shift often results in ‘empty desk syndrome,’ where businesses pay for desks that go underutilized due to low office attendance.
As a result, in-person work has become more intentional, reserved for activities that thrive on face-to-face collaboration, such as strategic meetings or coworking alongside colleagues in flexible, on-demand workspaces.
With the growing adoption of hybrid and remote work models and more companies expanding globally with teams residing in different locations, we predict that this trend will only accelerate in the coming years. The demand for flexible office solutions, such as coworking spaces, will continue to rise, allowing teams to work more efficiently while maintaining the benefits of occasional in-person collaboration.
Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates will still be pushed by some leaders
On the other hand, some business leaders are still pushing for a full return to the office, with a 5-day workweek becoming a point of contention. According to a KPMG survey, 64% of CEOs worldwide believe that employees will be back in the office full-time by 2026. The driving factors behind these return-to-office mandates often include concerns about productivity, lack of trust, and challenges with maintaining team culture in remote environments.
However, enforcing strict back-to-office policies can be met with resistance. Business leaders need to recognize that flexibility, autonomy, and choice have become the top priorities for employees globally. Striking a balance between in-office work and remote flexibility will be crucial as the future of work continues to evolve. It will be fascinating to see how this dynamic plays out over the next decade.
Coworking spaces will continue to surge in popularity
A coworking space is a shared workspace that provides typical office amenities — including desks, refreshments, and a productivity-boosting environment. Since the pandemic, coworking spaces have surged in popularity. At Livit Hub Bali, companies and entrepreneurs occupying private office spaces and flex desk zones use these spaces to give their teams (and themselves) a break from working from home (WFH) and an opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues they don’t often meet in person.
Over the next decade, we expect the coworking trend to accelerate, especially among freelancers, startups, and even large corporations. Businesses are increasingly seeking flexible office space solutions to cut costs while offering their teams a place to collaborate, network, and build stronger connections.
Workspace amenities will become a competitive differentiator
As coworking spaces continue to rise in popularity, we predict that workspace providers will expand their offerings and invest in premium amenities to gain a competitive edge. This trend is already unfolding, with providers like WeWork and Uncommon leading the way by adding features such as gyms and meditation rooms as wellness trends gained traction in the late 2010s. Over the next decade, we expect this focus on wellness and unique amenities to intensify.
At Livit Hub, for instance, we offer a range of facilities, including a daily homemade buffet lunch, laundry services, nap rooms, and showers. Our rooftop space is also a versatile area, frequently used for wellness activities like weekly yoga sessions, providing a holistic coworking experience.
Companies will tap into the global talent pool
The rise of remote work technologies and ‘work from anywhere’ policies is enabling companies to expand their global presence. This shift allows businesses to tap into a more affordable, skilled workforce while also realizing significant cost-saving benefits through global hiring.
Services like Employer of Record (EOR) streamline the process, allowing companies to hire international talent efficiently and cost-effectively. EOR services help businesses remain compliant with local laws without navigating the complexities of setting up entities in foreign countries.
Additionally, companies are increasingly investing in video conferencing, cloud computing, and collaboration tools to break down barriers to global hiring, enhancing team connectivity and productivity across borders.
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