[BizTrends 2016] The future of work in 2016

2016 is going to be an exciting year in the workplace with multinationals leading the way in drastically changing the #FutureOfWork. Here are some trends to look out for in the coming year:

It's not just the way we work but where we work that will change

Office spaces are becoming radically modernised, open and fluid. Companies such as Facebook and Google have really revolutionised the way we see the contemporary workplace. Offices are now about hot-desks, open-plan spaces and relaxing lounge areas. Gone are the days of a dedicated office cubicle; 2016 is likely to see large companies adapting their office space to become more attractive for employees through decentralising and opening up traditional work spaces.

Then of course there are increasing trends in work-from-home environments, with new homeowners actively seeking an office or working space in their houses. Advances in technology have opened up endless opportunities for people to set up professional and productive workspaces to operate a business or work flexibly from home.

Millennials to drive for more flexibility

Watch out, the next "baby boom" is just around the corner as the millennial generation start their families. This generation has been brought up in an age of technology, and flexibility is more acceptable to them. As such, they are likely to push for more flexible working circumstances as they add family responsibility to their work/life balance.

Wearable technology is going track work wellness

Wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit are becoming increasingly popular with employees who want to track their wellness and time management at work. 2016 is likely to see a surge in the use of such devices whose real time information can be used to improve time efficiency and output.

Maternity leave benefits are likely to become an even bigger discussion

As companies such as Netflix lead the way with unlimited maternity leave, and Microsoft and Adobe introduce expanded maternity leave programmes, we are likely to see increased debate and demands around this issue.

Research has shown that at least 64% of women want better maternity benefits and many companies with expanded programmes have indicated that moms are more focused when they return to work after longer leave or under flexible circumstances. In fact, employees are coming to realise that skilled moms are an enormous market to tap into and not just for menial type positions. They are a huge pool of knowledge workers who can add diversity and substance to any business. Mothers develop skills which, when brought into an organisation, can foster a culture of empathy, teamwork and group participation. They are master negotiators and encouragers, making excellent mentors and coaches for younger employees.

There is no doubt that the way we work in the 21st Century is changing and that many companies are adapting their policies and office spaces to suit a more flexible and fluid work culture. The coming year is likely to see the debate around this type of work continue and expand to include both large and small corporations. Even more so, companies are starting to understand the benefits of employing flexible workers, which includes a better pay/output ratio and increased productivity. There is no doubt that the coming year may be a game-changer in the way that we work in the future.