The state of talent and work in 2022 is very different than it was only several years ago. And, it is entirely different than it was a decade ago. Far beyond the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, major societal changes, the evolution of the worker’s mindset, the realm of innovative technology, and the shifts in talent acquisition have created a new future – “The Future of Work” – one that impacts all workers and all employers. And that future will be based in agility, flexibility, and the transformation of the modern business.

As businesses seek to thrive in these evolving times, it is critical that they base their operative frameworks within the ideal “future state” of work, one that prioritizes better business outcomes and the overall end-to-end optimization of how work is done. Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange define the Future of Work as the strategic optimization of how work gets done through 1) the evolution of talent engagement, 2) the advent of new technology and innovative tools, and 3) the transformation of business standards. Businesses across the globe believe that many significant Future of Work shifts will force them to reevaluate their current work standards, policies, and general practices.

Talent-led shifts, such as worker empowerment (which is fueling “The Great Resignation”), the continued impact of the extended workforce, and the advent of new talent engagement technologies, like direct sourcing and talent marketplaces, are fueling a new era of the workforce.

The power of next-generation technology and innovative tools, particularly digital workspaces (for remote and hybrid work), blockchain, digital wallets, artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital staffing, and talent technology ecosystems, are enabling businesses with the necessary tools to truly optimize how work is done.

The transformation of business thinking, including a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), developing a more flexible workplace culture and working environment, and creating an agile framework for how talent and work intersect, is a foundational element for how enterprises can future-proof work.

In the coming months and years, businesses will require a deeper understanding of the tools, strategies, and approaches that will ultimately drive the optimization of how work is done from talent, technology, and business transformation perspectives.

Christopher J. Dwyer is the Senior Vice President of Research at Ardent Partners and the Managing Director of the Future of Work Exchange. Connect with him on LinkedIn or send him a note at cdwyer@ardentpartners.com.