The Future of Work

The world of work has changed and some of us are feeling the knock-on effects more than others.??

Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group recently attended a brilliant session at the AEO Annual Conference (Manchester, UK), led by SONIA BATE from EDIT Development on "Future Proofing Your Workplace."??

Sonia provided some fantastic glimpses into how modern workplace culture is evolving and what leaders can (must?) do if they want to stay ahead of the curve.??

One of her key points was how the workplace is being reshaped by shifting demographics, lifelong learning, AI, hybrid working, and a stronger focus on well-being and sustainability.??

But the most striking aspect for me was the importance of how employees experience the workplace, from ethics to workplace etiquette. It's not just about the perks anymore—people are looking for a workplace where they feel safe, respected, and able to grow.??

Sonia outlined three universal challenges facing many workplaces today:??

1. Covering: 72% of people say they feel they can't fully be themselves at work. This isn’t the same as privacy—it's about not feeling safe to share who you really are. As leaders, it’s our job to create a space where people don’t have to "cover." Psychological safety, as I often emphasize at IMEX, is key here.??

2. Growth mindset: Many employees feel they’re not given the opportunity to learn new skills or adapt to changing job expectations, or struggle to do so. Sonia reminded us of Satya Nadella’s philosophy (CEO of Microsoft) that fostering a "learn-it-all" vs. a “know-it-all” culture is crucial. Encouraging curiosity and the ability to listen and learn is how we all stay agile.??

And as Maya Angelou so wisely said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” It’s a mindset we need to embrace, both personally, organizationally and as an industry.??

3. Generational diversity: With up to five (soon six!) generations in the workforce, each with different expectations and challenges, leaders need to be more flexible than ever. Younger generations are dealing with inflation, debt, and juggling caring responsibilities, meaning their focus and financial priorities are shifting.??

To future-proof our leadership, Sonia shared that the core skills we need are creativity, tech literacy, critical thinking, and mental agility. But equally, empathy, cultural intelligence, and resilience are what will make leaders stand out.??

And finally, it’s important for leaders to choose their impact and be clear about what they stand for. As Indra Nooyi (former CEO PepsiCo) put it, “If you want to improve the organization, you have to improve yourself and the organization gets pulled up with you.”??

Having achieved the Sunday Times Best Places to Work award this year, I know first-hand what it takes to create, then nurture, a positive workplace culture that encourages personal growth and greater professional contribution. The fact is, the future of work is constantly evolving, and it’s contingent on us as leaders to keep pace. By fostering psychological safety and prioritizing lifelong learning for all, we can create workplaces where people thrive, not just survive.??

It’s a new work paradigm – and the invitation is clear to everyone of us. Take the lead or miss your chance and risk falling behind.??

Interested in more leadership thinking? Join us at IMEX America on Wednesday October 9 for Emergent Leadership sessions with Holly Ransom and special guests.

Register here for IMEX America