Organisations must start planning for the workplace of the future by embracing so-called ‘boundary-less’ business, according to a report from Fujitsu.
The Workplace 2025 whitepaper argues that rigid work hierarchies and departments will be replaced with small, collaborative networks of teams composed of internal and external freelancers, connected via unified communication platforms and supported by intelligent assistants. Individual employees will no longer be defined by a single role, since their contribution and work style will dynamically adapt to meet shifting requirements on different tasks.
Conway Kosi, head of managed infrastructure services EMEIA at Fujitsu, warned that for this to be achieved, businesses must pay attention and react to developments in IT technology in order to attract the best talent.
“There is a real and present danger that employers without appropriate workplace technology strategies are going to find themselves left behind in the war for talent – because they simply won’t be able to attract people to work in what will be seen as increasingly antiquated working conditions and practices,” he said. “The workforce of the future expects highly flexible IT that will accommodate their chosen way of working in a seamless manner – IT that supports more effective, richer collaboration with peers both inside the business and across the wider industry.”
He highlighted the need for companies to become ‘boundary-less’ – where firms become more agile in order to adapt to constantly changing economic conditions, competitive landscapes and customer demands.
“Companies need to realise that the strategic decisions relating to both technology and the social side of workplace transformation they make today will have a major impact on their future options for building or joining business ecosystems, in terms of attracting workers with the right skills,” Kosi said. “Unless you’re a ‘boundary-less’ business, you’ll be left behind.”
Hiroshi Nishikawa, director of the technology and service vision department at Fujitsu, added that demographic changes will need to be considered. “Organisations have to transform their existing employment policies in hiring and retirement,” he said. “They need to hold on to their talent by providing flexible workstyles that allow employees to balance work with childcare and elderly care.”
