Why work is changing

Collaboration, flexible working conditions and mobility are driving productivity today.

New Zealand is seeing a major shift in its workplace culture, not only on a technological front as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things gain traction, but also in the way that people want to work.

They want to work when and where they want, they want flexibility and mobility and they want their employers to empower them to work in these new ways.

But are New Zealand organisations stepping up the plate? A recent study by Microsoft has found that the changing face of the Kiwi workforce has resulted in a need for organisations to foster a new culture of work to achieve digital transformation success. But 72 percent of those surveyed felt that more could be done by their organisation to invest in culture development.

Microsoft’s Asia Workplace 2020 Study highlighted that employees in New Zealand do not feel empowered to embrace the demands of the digital workplace.

While 69 percent of New Zealand respondents consider themselves to be mobile workers and spend at least 20 percent of their time working outside of their offices, only 31 percent feel empowered by their organisation’s culture to be able to work together productively and collaboratively. Only 24 percent agree their organisation is committed at a leadership level to ensure every employee is included in closing the digital skills gaps.