Future of Work Special Report

Workplace diversity policies go far beyond mere compliance exercises

Artificial intelligence is not meant to replace humans but to better unlock our potential. Can it?

Although legislation has seen employers begin to address the gender pay gap, career progression is another matter

Connectivity allows us to work anywhere from any device but that doesn’t change employees’ fundamental needs

With competition for staff at an all-time high, organisations must be strategic to attract the right people

About two thirds of employees in Ireland engage in a hybrid working model

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are now woven into the fabric of company cultures, in order to better reflect the actual population

With more firms offering a blended approach to working, Jillian Godsil reports on how they are making the office an attractive destination for employees

While working from home is cost-effective and sustainable, the office remains important for connection

Changing expectations post-Covid have led businesses to focus on ways of ensuring workers feel valued

From flexibility to culture, retention to chatbots, Sandra O’Connell reports on the issues encountered in workplaces around the country

With growth outstripping workers, building strong talent pipelines is also key to continued success

Businesses must be proactive in analysing their abilities to stress-test the impact of the present turmoil on their business models, writes Edel Corrigan

Human resources increasingly uses technology and data to improve employee experience and business performance, writes Deanna O’Connor

The skills of today will not be enough for organisations to survive tomorrow

New technology drives workplace change – AI is expected to create new jobs and enhance existing ones

We ask five commentators about their vision for the office of the future

How the work has changed since the pandemic and what the future holds

Turbulent times and a growing talent shortage means attracting but also retaining staff is a major challenge for organisations everywhere

A new business set up by William Fry matches experienced lawyers looking for flexible work with companies who need people to work on short-term assignments

The companies in Derry letting their employees decide where they work

What will the workforce look like in 10 years’ time and will women have achieved parity with men?

How automation is affecting jobs – and how to successfully navigate it

Ergonomic furniture no longer as important as hybrid working, and hot desking more prevalent

A belief exists it will be human qualities that are most important in the future

Disruption caused by the advance of tech has been a source of concern and opportunity for both employers and employees

How will the office of the future deal with staff who come down with colds, flus and other bugs, as well as Covid?

We look at what companies on the cutting edge are doing

We asked four business leaders what advances will be game changers for their sector.

Future of Work case study: Tommy Doherty, partner at Mazars

‘There is nothing like face-to-face interaction to build your team... yet not having the commute to and from work gives great time back’

Hybrid is more scalable for smaller companies once they have the right focus on connectivity, security and inclusion

The green agenda filters down through every aspect of working, from how offices are designed and built to employee behaviour

‘In the office when you leave in the evening work is finished. Closing the virtual office door at home can be a bit more difficult’

Employers must plan for the opportunities and changes remote working will bring

Focus to shift from traditional benefits to balance between performance and wellbeing

‘The biggest challenge starting the business was having children...home-schooled around me and trying to manage their Zoom calls without enough devices’

‘I don’t think we will ever revert back to having the first round interview in the office’

Future of Work case study: Yvonne Holmes, European Recycling Platform

Problem-solving skills critical as people navigate rapidly changing work environment