Quick Study: The Future of Work Is Here

There might be someone, somewhere -- possibly on some isolated South Pacific Island -- who hasn't wondered about the impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on their job. For the rest of us, AI’s invasion has the workforce pondering what it means to us, how it changes the nature of our work, the value of our paychecks, and even if we have a job going forward. 

All legitimate questions. 

Browsing through the past year or so of InformationWeek articles, we found a boatload of content focused on the role of AI and other tech today and in the future. In updating this Future of Work Quick Study, posted in mid-2023, we hope to provide you with insight into what IT leaders and their teams can expect from those technologies, and how they can build a modern workforce that enables their organizations and careers to flourish. 

One thing we can be sure of is that, for all the change we've seen in the past couple of years, still more change is on the horizon. 

The Hybrid: Work From Home and From Work 

It’s Different IT: Tech Support for Remote Users 

How does the IT team’s approach change when it must provide technical support for remote workforces? 

Onboarding Employees in the Age of Remote 

Remote changed IT hiring fast, but onboarding employees didn’t quite keep pace. Often, new employees like software engineers benefit from having someone sitting across from them. Here’s insight from a company that’s been there and done with advice on how to get it right. 

Are Return to Work Mandates Wise? 

Some businesses are mandating that some or all employees return to the office. While the motives are understandable, there’s more to the story. 

Negotiating Remote Work Agreements as Listings Thin 

As organizations angle to get workers back to a more regular in-office work schedule, IT professionals are still in a strong position to bargain for remote and hybrid agreements, given the robust IT jobs market. 

6 Lessons Learned from the Big Return to Office Debate of 2023 

Hint: Trust your people for hybrid work to fuel the business. 

6 Challenges and Opportunities for Hybrid and Remote IT Teams 

Remote and hybrid work is here to stay. What does that mean for IT teams when employees want it, but managers may not like it? 

‘Manage By Walking Around’ in the Remote World 

The concept ‘manage by walking around’ encourages CIOs and other execs to get away from their desks to really see how projects are progressing. Does it work in a remote workplace? Here’s some advice. 

AI: A New Ballgame for the Workplace 

Building an Augmented-Connected Workforce 

AI and other advanced technologies are unleashing the augmented-connected workforce, enabling human-machine partnerships for new levels of business productivity. 

Nvidia’s Jensen Huang on Leadership, ‘Tokenization,’ and GenAI Workforce Impact 

The GPU chipmaking giant’s CEO says it’s important for CIOs to get started with AI and called for a more positive outlook on the emerging tech’s impact on the workforce. 

CIOs Can Build a Resilient IT Workforce with AI and Unconventional Talent 

As the IT talent crunch continues, chief information officers can embrace new strategies to combine traditional IT staff with nontraditional workers and AI to augment the workforce. 

AI: Friend or Foe? 

Adoption of AI continues, further fueled by generative AI. Like with all things tech, the hype needs to be tempered with a realistic expectation of results. 

Navigating the Impact of AI on Teams 

Leaders should prioritize artificial intelligence literacy, empathy, and balance AI benefits with human insights to navigate the transformative impact of AI on teams effectively. 

How CEOs and IT Leaders Can Take the Wheel on Responsible AI Adoption 

Leaders expect AI to reshape business, but readiness varies. Here’s why it's crucial for CEOs, CIOs, and CTOs to develop responsible AI safety and innovation strategies now. 

What Is the Future of AI-Driven Employee Monitoring? 

Workplace monitoring isn’t new, but AI is giving employers new powers to sift through employee data and analyze their work performance. 

How Companies Can Retain Employee Trust During the AI Revolution 

Recent surveys indicate a trust gap among most employees, driven largely by job insecurity. Here are some ideas for enterprise leaders on how to grow 

Utilizing Automation to Alleviate Alert Fatigue, Workforce Shortages, and More 

This session explores strategies to address the growing volume of vulnerabilities and associated challenges of alert fatigue and resource shortages through safe automation. 

The IT Jobs AI Could Replace and the Ones It Could Create 

Transformative power of AI has the potential to eliminate and create jobs in the IT field. 

Hire or Upskill? The Burning Question in an Age of Runaway AI 

Generative AI speaks like a human but to make it work employees have to think like a machine. Where do you go to find that kind of talent? 

The People (and Machines) You Work With 

Quick Study: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Are we making progress in this sensitive, timely topic? Here’s a snapshot of our own articles on why DEI matters, how companies are addressing it, educational initiatives, cutting through bias, and more. 

AI Robots Are Here. Are We Ready? 

Robots are getting smarter and more intuitive thanks to advances in artificial intelligence. Can people survive the competition? 

Eliminating Remote Work Will Ruin Tech’s Drive for Diversity 

With some tech companies saying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is unimportant, remote work should continue to be an option available at tech companies to increase DEI and help solve staffing challenges. 

A New Generation and the Future of Sustainable Computing 

The Gen Z generation has grown up with both powerful technology and a keen awareness of environmental impact. How will their perspectives as the new data scientists and stakeholders shape the future of sustainable computing? 

The Importance of Mentors in Tech and Finance 

Here’s why mentorship is instrumental in career growth, providing guidance and support for personal and professional development. 

Integration, Insight, and AI Will Define DEI’s Next Era 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are more important than ever. With data, analytics, and intelligent tools, employers can create accountability around these critical goals. 

Empowering Women in a Gender-Biased Tech Industry 

Gender inequality is an existing issue exacerbated within the tech industry. Here are three areas to empower women today in the workplace. 

Quick Study: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Are we making progress in this sensitive, timely topic? Here’s a snapshot of our own articles on why DEI matters, how companies are addressing it, educational initiatives, cutting through racial and gender bias, and more. 

Cobots and AI: A Natural Match? 

Collaborative robots are getting smarter and more intuitive. What does this mean for their human colleagues? 

Less Talk, More Action: 3 Steps to Diversify the Cybersecurity Workforce 

Organizations have a lot to gain from team diversity, so now is the time to start employing more women, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity where there is a talent gap. 

Diversity’s Crucial Role in AI 

Your board and your CEO have been clamoring for artificial intelligence, and now you have AI technology. But what if what your AI is telling you is wrong? 

Your Future Job 

Survey: Work/Life Balance in IT Achieved Through Flexibility, PTO 

When creating policies, it’s important for business leaders to know it’s not just time-off and wellness programs that impact stress and work-life balance. 

9 Future of Work Concepts That Need More Attention 

Future of work concepts continue to evolve with circumstances and technological innovation. Here's a look at several. 

Technology Executive Arsenal: Must-Have Skills for Leaders 

Can today's technology leaders really handle the pressures of a fast-paced digital world? With these five skills, you can stay competitive and effectively tackle new challenges. 

5 Traits To Look for When Hiring Business and IT Innovators 

Hiring resilient and forward-thinking employees is the cornerstone of innovation. If you’re looking to hire a “trailblazer,” here are five traits to seek, as well as questions to ask. 

CISO Role Undergoes Evolution as Jobs Grow More Complex 

The complexity and sophistication of threats means CISOs must be more proactive in identifying and mitigating risks and making the business case for investment in security. The role isn't just about tech. 

Jumping the IT Talent Gap: Cyber, Cloud, and Software Devs 

Businesses must first determine where their IT skill sets need bolstering, and then develop an upskilling strategy or focus on strategic new hires. 

Dispelling the Myth of Job Displacement: AI and Transformation 

While AI can automate certain tasks, it should be seen as a tool that complements human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely. 

Leading IT teams Through Changing Priorities 

The constantly changing world of IT needs leaders who can pivot with major changes, for both business priorities and breakthrough technologies. 

Resolving the Crisis of Fractured Organizations 

One of the key success factors for driving process improvement starts with cross-functional collaboration and alignment within an organization. 

Critical Thinking: The Overlooked IT Management Skill 

Have you given much thought to critical thinking? It’s a talent that can make you a stronger, more effective leader. 

Why Your Current Job May Be Holding Back Your IT Career 

Are you completely satisfied with your job? That could be a warning sign your career is stalled. 

Growing Your Own IT Talent 

The IT marketplace is highly competitive and extremely expensive. Is it time to consider growing your own talent? 

Teach IT: Why Staff Learning Beats Training 

IT training provides the knowledge teams need to perform specific tasks. IT learning spurs progress and innovation. It’s important to know the difference. 

Talent: Find It, Train It, Keep It 

An Ethical Approach to Employee Poaching 

Two-way employee poaching between IT departments and vendors has been a fact of life for years. What are the ethics and best practices you should uphold? 

The AI Skills Gap and How to Address It 

Workers are struggling to integrate AI into their skill sets. Where are we falling short in helping them leverage AI to their own benefit and the benefit of their employers? 

Online Learning: Training an Advanced Manufacturing Workforce 

The US’s advanced manufacturing sector depends on innovative approaches to education. 

How to Find a Qualified IT Intern Among Candidates 

IT organizations offering intern programs often find themselves swamped with applicants. Here's how to find the most knowledgeable and prepared candidates. 

How to Build an Effective IT Mentoring Program 

In a rapidly evolving IT world, mentoring is an efficient way to help team members keep pace with the latest tech and practices. Here's how to get started. 

Skills-Based Hiring in IT: How to Do it Right 

By focusing directly on skills instead of more subjective criteria, IT leaders can build highly capable teams. Here's what you need to know to get started. 

Tech Pros Quitting Over Salary Stagnation, Stress 

To retain top tech talent, organizations must look beyond financial compensation to provide growth opportunities and wellbeing. 

Citizen Development Turns Software Novices into Creators 

Attention, citizens! You can now become software developers. Only minimal skills are necessary, thanks to low-code, no-code technology. 

Can Artificial Intelligence Ever Become an IT Team Leader? 

AI’s ability to make predictions and offer recommendations is advancing rapidly. Will it eventually gain the ability to lead IT teams?