#BizTrends2018: The rise and rise of NextGen Work

NextGen Work: Noun: 1. A new way of working. 2. A new way of getting work done. 3. Helps people earn more, upskill and achieve One Life that blends work and home. Examples include part-time, contingent, contract, temporary, freelance, permalance (essentially a permanent freelancer), independent contractor, on-demand online and platform working.

So, what are the top trends that make up the rise of NextGen Work?

• Learnability is key

  Learnability can be simply defined as the desire and ability to learn new skills, in order to be employable for the long-term. People want opportunities to develop in-demand skills that will keep them employable for this job and the next, and they want work styles that better balance responsibilities, upskilling and reskilling.

• Cash is King

  For many, NextGen Work helps supplement salaries, savings or pensions, so people can find the time and money to do the things they value most. For others, NextGen Work allows them to use in-demand skills and earn higher salaries for highly skilled contract positions.

• Work life balance

  The lines between home life and work life are increasingly blurred, so people are choosing more flexible work models that make it easier for them to manage and enjoy their personal lives. In certain roles, people can also control where, when and how they work – thereby reducing stress and allowing flexibility for a positive work life balance.

• Age makes a difference

  Younger millennials (18-24) are new to the labour market and want swift progression — they prize pay, learning and career advancement. They see NextGen Work as a way to help them move on and up.

  Older millennials (25-34) are most driven by career advancement and learning new skills, but they are also starting to value balance and meaningful work almost as much as pay.

  Younger Gen X Workers (35-39) are most focused on work-life balance, with some choosing to career plateau while they put family first and log-off at the end of the day.

  Older Gen X Workers (40-49) increasingly prioritise meaningful work and feeling appreciated by their employer, while pay, learning new skills and providing for children become less important.

  Boomers (50-65) get a second wind: with proven experience and fewer family obligations, they are choosing encore careers, some for pleasure, others to supplement pensions. They are more focused on quality — they want recognition for a job well done and work that’s meaningful.

• Benefits must follow
  Benefits that were once tied to jobs, now need to be NextGen too. They must be able to travel across portfolio careers whether that’s certifications, pensions, training funds and more.

In conclusion, business leaders and policy makers must collaborate to find the best balance of flexibility and responsibility in order to enable NextGen Work.