2020 has altered the way we work, communicate and collaborate. The coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses and individuals to make many changes to protect themselves from risk. As a result, as we close in on the cusp of a new year, IT leaders must look ahead and contemplate developing modern IT systems for their workforce — what many have dubbed the Future-Ready Workforce.

Forrester, a leading research firm, undertook a study in November 2019 looking at the systemic risks companies would have to prepare for in the coming years. The pandemic unfolded in tandem with their study, leading to insights regarding the long-lasting effects on business.

Some key predictions Forrester made based on its research can help shape how your company prepares for the Future-Ready Workforce:

  • In the future, most companies will employ what Forrester calls an “anywhere-plus-office hybrid” model in which more people will work outside the office more of the time. Forrester estimates the number of employees working remotely will settle at 300% of pre-pandemic levels.
  • Companies will focus their automation efforts on helping remote employees be more effective, with one in four information workers receiving help from software bots, robotic process automation, and AI. Some frontline workers will receive help from physical robots (when social distancing isn’t possible, for example).

One important finding in the study was that organizations with great employee experience (EX) more effectively protect themselves from the worst effects of these risks.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Tech Orchard has assisted organizations in reimagining their remote workforce and all that it entails. We learned that many organizations are using old technology held together with duct tape and baling wire. However, the vast majority of companies are making new commitments to modern technology based on security, compliance, cost reduction, and business outcomes for the future. This doesn’t happen overnight, but planning and setting the right foundation is critical.

Tech Orchard has the tools and experience to help your team implement new technology that enables remote work and automation with a focus on excellent employee experience.

If you are imagining and planning for your Future-Ready Workforce, give us a call. We would love to share how other organizations are making this transition. We also recommend a podcast series from VMware, “Are You ‘Future Ready’?” or downloading the e-book below, Preparing Your Remote Work Environment for the Long Haul.

Want to learn more about employee experience, digital workspaces and more? Tech Orchard has a robust Resources section where you can find the information your company needs to prepare for long-term success.