Future of Work Study 2024

---

Digitalisation and AI have changed the world of work and also the demands on companies, teams and how to lead. Workforces are becoming more flexible, and the command-and-control model has been replaced by that of a coach who needs to manage a matrix organisation in terms of locations and functions as well as full time staff, consultants and freelancers. The days of a one-size-fits all leadership style is over and new hard and soft skills are needed. 

This study therefore analyses the new world of work; the changing shape of the organisation; digital transformation: the use of AI and flexible workforces; and the regulatory framework before looking at the impact on leadership.

In central Stockholm, Sweden stands a statue entitled “The Worker” by Mikael Katz. With a furrowed brow, muscular chest and heavy mallet in hand, the subject is caught in the middle of carrying out a physical, dour task. 

At the end of the 1800s - when this sculpture was completed - “work” was often carried out in a factory, in a field or down a mine. Something back-breaking and often something to be endured. While the world of work has been revolutionised by technology, many of the principles, processes and mindsets associated with “work” have changed very little since this statue was crafted. This study therefore examines the role of AI, the rise of flexible workforce models and how this impacts corporate leadership today.

 Free Trade Europa is an independent think tank promoting the social, economic and political benefits of openness, liberalisation and free trade for governments, companies and citizens. Free Trade Europa has written extensively about the platform, gig and sharing economy and published the following studies: “Nordic Disruption: Analysing the Platform Economy in Sweden”, “A New Hope: the role of the Platform Economy in facilitating migrants into the Swedish Labour market” and “A Fair Gig: addressing the working conditions of platform workers and the policy approach to the Platform Economy in Europe”. Find out more at: www.freetradeeuropa.eu  

Distributed is a platform which allows companies and organisations to build and deliver software projects faster and better than ever before through the employment of Elastic Teams.

Distributed is rebuilding work in a way that’s better for people and better for businesses through the flexible deployment of highly skilled talent, working remotely and coming together in teams that clients access through a private talent cloud. 

Find out more at: www.distributed.com

Human Cloud is the global advisory firm on the freelance economy. Fueled with over a decade of experience scaling digital first models across various environments, Human Cloud bridges the gap between technology promise and commercial realization for digital first work models that will become the global default by 2030. 

Human Cloud helps three major segments of the global economy. First, Human Cloud helps large, Fortune 500 enterprises integrate digital first work models within their talent strategy so they can scale digital first workforces. Second, Human Cloud helps industry solutions like talent platforms, talent providers, and talent applications adapt to enterprise needs, connect with industry peers, and access market intelligence so they can grow sustainable businesses. Third, Human Cloud helps governments and investment firms make strategic decisions into how their portfolios and initiatives should embrace freelance solutions.   

Along with a proprietary knowledge graph that enables prescriptive intelligence on the freelance economy, Human Cloud has the #1 global podcast on the freelance economy, contributes to Forbes and major media publications, and published Agile Talent with Harvard Business Review Press and The Human Cloud with HarperCollins. Find out more at: https://humancloud.work

Ework Group provides total talent solutions by forming successful collaborations; connecting partners & professionals and clients in partnerships; as well as by bridging brilliant minds to great ideas, for the benefit of individuals, organizations and society.

Ework Group believes that bridging, not broking, is the future of work and the future of business. Find out more at: https://www.eworkgroup.com/

Accace is a proactive consultancy and outsourcing partner who bridges the gap between needs and solutions. Combining smart and streamlined technology with a holistic approach, Accace provides accounting; payroll and HR services; tax advisory and compliance support; transaction and legal advice; as well as market entry support to companies and organisations.

With over 800 experts and more than 2,000 customers, Accace has vast experience in facilitating the smooth operation and growth of small to large-scale, global businesses. 

Find out more at: https://accace.com/