As we enter 2023, the rate of change in our work lives has only been exceeded by the rapid pace of innovation. We have spent three years with new routines, changing schedules, and getting used to disruption. We have learned to work remotely, and accepted that hybrid work is in fact, just work. Technology has been at the forefront of this dynamic period, paving the way for what will likely be a smoother, more fulfilling work.
These are the four key workplace tech trends that I will be keeping an eye on in the new year.
Work will become more flexible and inclusive
In the last two years, time spent working asynchronously has jumped from 25% to almost 40% as more people moved beyond meetings to get work done, and I expect this trend to continue. New patterns—like the “triple peak day”—are emerging as some people leave the 9 to 5 behind to do what works for them. We have a unique opportunity to reimage policies and norms that support a flexible, more inclusive work environment for everyone. And while meeting #FOMO can be real, with the help of innovations like intelligent recap in #MicrosoftTeams we can embrace the joy of missing out —and still stay up to date on important information. I look forward in 2023 to more new solutions that will help us break free from traditional work patterns.
The role of the office is changing
This year it became clear that one of the main reasons we go to the office is for each other. Our research shows that employees who have thriving relationships with their teammates report greater wellbeing and higher productivity. Moreover, they are less likely to change companies in the year ahead. In other words, rebuilding social capital and employee networks have gone from a nice-to-have to a business imperative for modern organizations. But how do we optimize our physical spaces to meet the new reality and help avoid #CommuteRegret, aka spending a day in an empty office? New solutions like #MicrosoftPlaces, a connected workplace platform, will help you coordinate in-person time with your team. I expect to see more innovations that not only allow teams to maximize in-person connections, but also empower business leaders to evolve and optimize their real estate investments.
AI is here
This year we saw breakthrough AI innovations, such as ChatGPT and Lensa AI that write stories and generate beautiful images in mere seconds. What may have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago is now becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. Take Context IQ, a set of intelligent capabilities working in the background of Microsoft 365 apps that seamlessly connects you with the information you need right in the flow of work. Meanwhile, speaker coach aka an AI assistant in Teams makes sure you show up well during your presentations. This is just the beginning. I believe that AI will allow us to spend less time on routine tasks so that we can focus on higher-level thinking and ideation to unleash our true potential. At the same time, we still have much to learn about this technology, including its capabilities and limitations. We need to ensure that AI models are built responsibly and thoughtfully, as this tech will become pervasive in the apps used by billions of people every day.
The metaverse is coming to work
Hybrid work is the reality, but we need our digital experiences to be as impactful as meeting in person, helping us foster a sense of community and personal connection with our colleagues. When I see my daughters naturally connect with their friends in virtual worlds like Minecraft, I can’t help but imagine how this technology will transform the workplace. And it’s fast-approaching: more than 50% of Gen Z and Millennials envision doing some of their work in the metaverse in the next two years. The integration of metaverse technologies like #MicrosoftMesh into the place where work happens, #MicrosoftTeams, will play a crucial role in bridging that gap between the physical and digital spaces. Stay tuned!
We are witnessing incredible times. What was projected in the next 10 years is happening today. We are entering a new era of exponential innovation, and I am excited to see what’s next. For now, let’s make space to reflect, show thanks, and connect with friends and family. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!