Reinventing the Workplace

 

A futurologist, not to be confused with a futurist, refers to an artist of the 1900s artist movement – Futurism. There are some crossovers. Both adore tech and love speed. Critically, a futurologist writes, speaks, and studies trends to forecast the future. Richard Watson, Futurist-In-Residence at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre, says that “proper futurism sits somewhere between 10 to 20 years out.” A prediction about three to five years ahead is basically “talking about next Wednesday,” and “more than 20 years gets into sci-fi,” said Watson.

A Racounter article explains that futurologists tend to be widely read and study trends to understand where the world is going next. Watson says futurologists are “not going to get it 100% right, but you hopefully avoid being 100% wrong.”

The last few years and the pandemic have brought tremendous changes in our daily lives. “Few business leaders, who I am intimately aware of, seem to do anything other than react. That may have to do with the speed of change,” says Mark Landini, Creative Director of Landini Associates. Watson poses that “the innovative companies don’t worry about what is going to happen. They’re creating their own future, and everyone else can fall in line with it.”

Remote work has become the norm and is widely expected. However, the concept isn’t as new as we think. Landini referenced an interview with Arthur C. Clarke, in which he predicted the possibility of remote meetings more than fifty years ago. Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve adapted to remote opportunities. “We’ve been forced to be less physical, and within a few months, we’ve decided that we quite like that,” said Landini. The Economist reported that “before the pandemic, Americans spent 5% of their working time at home. By spring 2020, the figure was 60%.”

Watson pointed out that many trends made mainstream by the pandemic were already happening on a smaller scale. Watson explains, “I fail to think of a single thing with the pandemic that wasn’t happening already.” However, the pandemic acted as a global catalyst and sped up the adoption of trends. Challenges in the workplace as things return to normal, including conflicting needs and desires between managers and workers. We’re at a stage where we have to “find a sweet spot between generations,” said Watson. Recreating symbiosis between different work styles is key to progress and success in a business.

More Stories Like This

Do Department Stores Have a Future?

Why the Rebirth of “Local” is Good for Commerce, Community and Common Sense

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

visitor management solution
Reinventing Visitor Management Solution with Symmetry GUEST
April 2, 2025

In an age where speed and security are paramount, the traditional paper logbook is becoming a relic of the past. AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Guest system offers a modern, digital solution that redefines the way organizations welcome and manage visitors. Gone are the days of long lines and confusion at the front desk—Symmetry Guest empowers hosts…

Read More
AMAG
Driven by Customers, Defined by Innovation: Inside AMAG’s Customer-Obsessed Approach
April 2, 2025

AMAG Technology continues to strengthen its customer-obsessed culture by actively listening to both internal and external voices. As shared by Kyle Gordon, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, & Commercial Excellence, the company is focused on improving processes, responding with speed, and driving innovation—while honoring its legacy and delivering unique value within the industry.

Read More
biotech
Biotech Moves Smarter: IDDI Powers Data-Driven Drug Innovation
April 2, 2025

As biotech innovation accelerates, small and mid-size pharmaceutical companies are becoming key players in bringing new treatments to market. Yet many of these organizations face steep challenges when navigating clinical trial design, regulatory approval, and data integrity. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, industries like biotech could help generate up to $50 trillion…

Read More
AMAG Technology
AMAG Technology Drives Positive Change, Product Innovation, and Stronger Partnerships with the Customer in Mind
April 2, 2025

At AMAG Technology, customer obsession is at the heart of everything the company does. Customer Relationship Manager Aimee Walsh shares how AMAG embraces positive change, enhances its products, and strengthens partnerships—all with the customer in mind. Her insights reflect AMAG’s ongoing commitment to evolving alongside customer needs and delivering meaningful solutions.

Read More