Introduction

The future of work is rapidly changing, and one thing is clear: the traditional 9-to-5 office setup is a thing of the past. With the rise of remote work, artificial intelligence, and automation, companies are being forced to adapt and evolve in order to stay ahead of the competition. But what does this mean for the way we work together as a team? In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of team composition in the future of work and provide insights on how to build the ultimate dream team.

According to a study by Gallup, teams that are diverse and inclusive are 43% more likely to experience financial growth and 35% more likely to outperform less diverse teams (Gallup, 2013). This statistic highlights the importance of building a team with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. But what exactly makes a dream team?

The Power of Diverse Skill Sets

When it comes to building a team, it’s easy to get stuck in the habit of hiring people who are similar to us. But this approach can be limiting and stifling to innovation. A team with diverse skill sets brings different perspectives and ways of thinking to the table. This can lead to more creative solutions and better decision-making.

For example, a study by McKinsey found that companies with diverse workforces are 45% more likely to experience financial returns above their industry median (Hunt et al., 2015). This is because diverse teams are better equipped to navigate complex problems and come up with innovative solutions.

In the future of work, teams will be composed of people with a range of skills, from technical expertise to soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence. In fact, a report by the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2022, 54% of the workforce will need re-skilling or up-skilling to remain relevant (WEF, 2020). This highlights the importance of building a team with a diverse range of skills.

The Rise of the Remote Workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adopt remote work arrangements, and it’s likely that this trend will continue even after the pandemic subsides. But how does this affect team composition? According to a survey by Buffer, 98% of remote workers prefer to work remotely at least some of the time, citing benefits like increased flexibility and reduced commuting time (Buffer, 2020).

Remote work requires a different set of skills than traditional office work. For example, remote workers need to be self-motivated and disciplined in order to stay productive. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with team members and manage their workload independently.

In the future of work, companies will need to adapt their team composition to accommodate the needs of remote workers. This may involve hiring team members with experience in remote work arrangements or providing training on communication and productivity tools.

The Role of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation are changing the way we work, and this trend is only set to continue in the future of work. According to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, up to 800 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to automation by 2030 (Manyika et al., 2017). But while AI and automation may replace some jobs, they also create new opportunities for teams to focus on high-level creative work.

In the future of work, teams will need to be composed of people with skills that complement AI and automation. For example, skills like creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking will become more valuable as AI takes over routine tasks.

Building a Culture of Inclusion and Diversity

Building a team with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives is just the starting point. Companies also need to create a culture of inclusion and diversity in order to attract and retain top talent. According to a study by Deloitte, companies with inclusive cultures are 60% more likely to attract and retain top talent (Debt, 2018).

In the future of work, companies will need to prioritize building a culture of inclusion and diversity. This may involve creating employee resource groups, providing training on unconscious bias, and implementing diversity and inclusion policies.

Conclusion

The future of work is rapidly changing, and team composition is key to success. By building a team with diverse skill sets, adapting to the needs of remote workers, and creating a culture of inclusion and diversity, companies can stay ahead of the competition and thrive in the future of work. What does the future of work hold for your team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

References:

Buffer. (2020). State of Remote Work Report.

Debt, P. (2018). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Gallup. (2013). Diversity Matters.

Hunt, V., et al. (2015). Why Diversity Matters.

Manyika, J., et al. (2017). A Future That Works: Automation, Employment, and Productivity.

WEF. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report.