The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overemphasized in the world of business as industries continue to evolve and organizations adapt to new technologies to enable them continue to stay relevant and profitable.
The ‘new normal,’ according to Human Capital Leader for Deloitte Africa, Maharaj Pam, has accelerated the future of work and given organizations a general understanding of the phenomenon.
Addressing participants during the Deloitte Human Capital Webinar, held on February 16, 2021 under the theme, “Future of work; Transforming our Workforce and Workspace,” Ms. Pam outlined three broad dimensions which encompass the world of work.
She said the 3, work, workforce and workplace, are interconnected and accompanied by the respective questions: What work can be automated? Who can do the work?, and where is the work done?
She said the sudden increase in stock for web-based platforms such as Upwork, where businesses connect with freelancers for solutions in what has become known as the gig economy, is evident of the rise of a new free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations hire independent workers for short-term commitments.
The gig economy gives individuals the chance to generate revenue using their talents and skills without relying on full-time employment.
Ms. Pam said firms must make a serious effort to humanize the future of work by setting the enterprise mindset, recognizing work as the biggest motivator for humans and reorienting from past performance to future potential.
Human Capital Leader for Deloitte West Africa, Joseph Olofinsola, advised organizations to equip themselves and develop their workforce to take advantage of the new normal, adding that “the future of work is now,” and that traditional jobs are increasingly becoming vulnerable as their relevance on the market wane.
Other members on the panel were Anita Wiafe-Asinor, (CEO, OML Africa), Irene Asare (Founder, CalvinClay People Development) and Amma Benneh-Amponsah, (Head of HR, MTN Ghana).