Keynote Speaker | Former Chief People Officer, now Distribution industry consultant | Brand Partner | HR Tech & AI Advisor | Connector & Introvert | Fiercely People First
Employment is dead. When I started my HR career in the 90s, the workplace was a different world. There was no thought of working anywhere other than an office, and there was no social media - there was barely an internet! Working the 9-to-5 grind was the norm, and most people could count on job security. Today, it's a bit of a different story! The traditional employment model is rapidly evolving, driven by disruptive technologies and changing worker expectations. As Josh Drean and Deborah Perry Piscione argue in their upcoming book, "Employment is Dead," we're witnessing a seismic shift in how we approach work. (Link to preorder is below!) Today, my "office" is mostly at home, but can be anywhere with Wi-Fi. (I've worked from coffee shops and airports, even Disney World!) We no longer will blindly follow rigid schedules - instead, most people want flexibility in how, where and how much they work. The focus is shifting from time to results delivered, no matter where you are. Technology is revolutionizing everything - AI, blockchain, and even the metaverse are reshaping how we think about work. But it's not just about where and how we work. It's about why we work. I love seeing younger generations, particularly Gen Z, questioning traditional corporate structures and seeking more fulfilling work experiences. They're demanding greater autonomy, flexibility, and a sense of purpose in their work. As a former Chief People Officer and a parent to three Gen Z kids, it's been an exciting change to watch. We're moving towards a future where traditional employment coexists with the creator economy, fractionalized and decentralized work. Continuous learning is required to keep up with the rapid pace of change. So, while employment as we knew it might be "dead," work itself is very much alive - it's just evolving into something new and exciting. The future of work is about adaptability, empowerment, and finding new ways to create value and meaning in what we do. And I can't wait. What are you most looking forward to in this new world of work?
I love working remote - although I do miss my colleagues. Before Covid I went to an office 3 days/week and loved the in-person connection. I might change your headline to say "work culture" is evolving (not dead). We all have our choice of ways to stay connected - Teams chat, email, text on my phone - the occasional Zoom call or actual phone call. But it takes work - and it's something execs need to realize. It's not just the work we do every day that makes work enjoyable - it's the connective tissue between people. It's critical to maintain that connection in new and evolving ways, and takes energy and commitment.
Tracie thanks for continuing this conversation. We need to focus on flexibility for all, frontline, office, every industry. It can be done. Giving flexibility, when the business is not sacrificed, should always be a people first approach. For example, I worked for a manufacturer, pre-Covid, where the owners championed a policy that allowed frontline employees flexibility to shift their schedules, where we were able to accommodate. They didn’t want employees missing the dance recital or moms important medical appt or whatever was critical for them. It made them better employees. A new term is out there not work life balance but ‘life space’ interesting to explore and see what is next.
I started working in the remote world in 1998 and focused on outcome. It took a while to catch on for others. Working for purpose and outcome from a productive place is all I know. Continuing to evolve is amazing.
I CANNOT wait to get this book into your hands (especially chapter 11, which starts with a story about YOU!). This image just came from HBR HQ today, it's real!
What a wonderful honor for you to recognize our upcoming book, EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD - thank you Tracie Sponenberg!
What a powerful insight, Tracie! The shift from traditional employment models to more flexible, results-oriented work is something so many of us are experiencing. As many job seekers might resonate with the idea of adapting to new career landscapes, I’d recommend checking out ApplyAll.co. I often recommend it for anyone on the lookout for their next job, and it has already helped several people in my network land exciting opportunities!
Love the topic and excited for gig/fractional type work to really start taking off.
True that Tracie Sponenberg Employment (working from office, for specific hours for specific org) is dead. Multi-streams of organizations, domains + work from anywhere is becoming the future
This is so fascinating!
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1d🥰🥰It’s so exciting to be alive at this time, Tracie! I’ve been fully remote since 2006 - mainly because I found the traditional in-office paradigm exhausting and unproductive. At that time I could see glimpses of this future we’re experiencing but never expected to get this far this soon (one of the ‘positives’ of a global pandemic). I’m looking forward to the time when HR is seen as a vital partner in business success. When the first names on the distribution lists for business development planning sessions are HR leads and BPs. When the CEO turns to the CHRO after hearing an idea and asks, “What’s your take?” and listens intently to the response.