Future of Work

How do we design a future of work that works for all?

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2023 Future of Work Outlook

Creating our future of work, together

Australians are living a once-in-a-generation case study that began with an almost overnight disruption of entrenched ways of working. That has created an opportunity not to be wasted.

As a business community, across industries and geographies, we’ve proven we can dramatically change the way we get work done. It’s shown us where we can be successful, but also put a spotlight on what was broken. And it’s shown us we are ready for change, to continue the momentum and make our future better.

First, we must answer a series of questions. How do we define and measure output in this new post-pandemic era? How do we negotiate the tension between wellbeing and productivity? How do we cultivate a sense of certainty, drive innovation and forge new capabilities in a world shaped by factors we can’t predict or control?

Now is the time to be brave, to innovate and iterate, and define a new path. To make a conscious decision to embrace experimentation. But it doesn’t just happen. It requires you to make some deliberate decisions and actions.

The Future of Work

How do we design a future of work that works for all?

Taking the next step

The opportunity now is to translate what we’ve learnt during the pandemic into a cohesive workplace strategy that’s future-fit. The key to getting it right is to avoid the temptation to zero in on individual problems. Instead, take a step back and consider the entire ecosystem of the organisation.

It sounds complex but it doesn’t need to be complicated. At PwC we do this by looking at the future of work in terms of work type, workforce and workplaces, with the experience of work at its core. It lets us see the macro opportunity as well as breaking down the vision for each part of the ecosystem to understand how they will intersect with, or impact, the others.

What kind of work do we do?

Work Type relates to new ways of working, from macro and systems-level trends –such as labour market trends and related policies – to legal and compliance requirements.

What kind of workforce do we need?

Workforce refers to the resources – including people and technology – needed to do the work. It’s all about having the right capabilities and the right skills in the right place at the right time.

How do our workplaces enable our people?

Workplaces are the physical and digital environments where work is structured and undertaken. This includes everything from an organisation’s real estate strategy to the layout of office space and the way work gets done.

How will we energise and inspire our people?

The experience of work is the way in which workers experience the purpose, values and culture of the organisation, as demonstrated by their behaviours and engagement.