futures insights: New work values.
futures insights: by insight & foresight looks at trends, weak signals, and emerging change that could impact for-purpose organisations 5 to 10 years from now. The content is design fiction written from a futures viewpoint about possibilities that may or may not eventuate and should not be read as fact. It is designed to support creative, exploratory thinking about futures and what might happen next. Enjoy!
Just beyond tomorrow...
Indrawati was a bright and ambitious young woman. Growing up in her small village in Indonesia, she had always been encouraged to make the most of her education. She excelled in school and went on to pursue university studies and then do a Masters's degree by the age of 25 – an achievement that few could boast of in such a rural area.
Her hard work paid off when she was offered a job at one of the top-tier consulting firms right out of college. Despite its prestige, Indrawati soon found herself increasingly unhappy with her role as an Associate. The long hours, lack of creativity and ever-present stress were taking their toll on both her physical and mental health, leaving her feeling burnt out before reaching 30 years old.
It was then that Indrawati decided it was time for a change; she wanted something more meaningful than what corporate life could offer so she left everything behind to open up a cafe in Sanur instead. Although this new path meant giving up some financial security, it also allowed her greater freedom to express herself creatively - something that had been lacking from previous roles - plus provided enough space for relaxation too.
Since opening day two years ago, Indrawati has never looked back or regretted following this unconventional route as it has given her much more satisfaction than any other job could have done before:
“I feel like I’m getting something now," says Indrawati happily while reminiscing about how far she's come since those days working at the consulting firm.
"It's hard work, and there are ups and downs just like any other business, but I'm finally doing something that brings me joy - something that gives me purpose. I know the possibilities for my future are truly limitless!" She smiles.
And with this thought comes newfound confidence; Indrawati knows that whatever her futures hold, she's ready to take them on.
Indrawati is part of a trend that started in 2022 where more people started to believe that the point of acquiring knowledge is not to secure an impressive career but rather to embolden themselves with the courage to live their best life.
By 2035, more and more employees began searching for ways to break free of the daily grind. Rather than solely striving for financial success, an increasing number of people recognise the importance of leisure time; studies even suggest that those who prioritise spending quality moments with loved ones often experience a greater level of contentment compared to those chasing material wealth. For many people looking for fulfilment in life outside their working hours, services such as experiences and hobbies offer much-needed respite - not only do these activities provide opportunities for self-improvement but also invaluable bonding moments spent with friends and family alike.
At the same time, traditional work regulations and structures are displaced by an increasingly fluid workplace, with workers empowered by automation and AI-driven services. Basic income initiatives as well as new models of pension benefits are all part of a broader effort to modernise employment standards across industries to promote economic stability for individuals during periods of joblessness or retirement. Consequently, more opportunities open up for people through automation - allowing them greater freedom to perform higher-level tasks while benefiting from assistance on redundant labour processes that were handled manually before.
Beyond 2050, the implications of advancing artificial intelligence and robot-driven industries on the future of employment are complex, unpredictable, and wide in range. We may find ourselves living a utopian reality inspired by science fiction like Star Trek; where generating income is no longer necessary as everyone's needs are met without requiring money. Alternatively, civil unrest could occur if elites owning automated machines take over while Nationa States fail due to dwindling tax revenues.
In our futures, the ideas of success could no longer rest solely on the ability to acquire money but rather on achieving a sense of joy. With this newfound possibility for true fulfilment in life, people are empowered to make decisions based on what they believe will bring them the greatest satisfaction - be it taking a break from their career or choosing to pursue a creative outlet. Indrawati's story serves as a reminder to us all that no matter the circumstances, it is always possible to find joy in life and make our dreams come true.
How will new work values change your life?
Learn more about new work values.
Carmen Reinicke, “Most Americans say work and life balance is more important than a higher salary. How to manage if you need to take a pay cut”. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/27/heres-what-to-consider-before-taking-a-pay-cut.html
Arianna Huffington & Jen Fisher, “It’s time to replace work-life balance with ‘life-work integration’. Fortune. https://fortune.com/2022/01/24/great-resignation-life-work-integration-thrive-global/
Liji Thomas, "Importance of a Work-Life Balance". News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Importance-of-a-Work-Life-Balance.aspx
Acknowledgement
The identification of these emerging change concepts started with the Futures Platform™ database of trends, signals and emerging change. You can read more about the Futures Platform™ here . insight & foresight is a paying customer of the Futures Platform™ and we use the data to support our clients think and plan for their futures.
