But can we paint an accurate picture of what work will look like simply based on changes in technology and current remote working trends?

My thoughts are this:

1. Technology: Anything is possible but not everything is beneficial
When this phrase is applied to advancements in technology it makes you stop and think. The decision to invest in developing a particular technology should always be tempered with the question, is there a demand and use for this device/ equipment that will benefit the lives of those who use it? I doubt many people would argue against the benefits of the mp3 player, but how many of us have a videophone in our houses, or for use at work?

2. Remote Working: Technology vs Culture
Remote working is on the rise and there is no doubt that IT and data technology have a significant part to play in the realisation of this. But now that reliable and usable technology is here, what I see stopping the acceleration of remote working is primarily culture rather than technology. If the vision of the future is of a company with a large remotely based workforce then it will be encouraged from the top down and I predict that it will be newer businesses taking the lead rather than those with long-standing office-based cultures.

3. Flexibility or Structured – which type are you?
I believe that work types do, and will remain split into two camps. Those for whom work is not time constrained, i.e. being available via email, phone and text message regardless of the day of the week (taking time off in lieu when deemeed appropriate) where flexibility aids a good work/life balance, and then there are those who will continue to fight to draw a distinct line between home life/time and work life/time, where turning off the PC means turning off from work.

4. Mobility will prevail
Regardless of whether people remain office based or become more flexible in their working location, the mobile phone will keep us on the move. What I mean is that the small accessory that connects the vast majority of our population both for business and pleasure will be ever more valuable. Unless you have the distinct and expensive priviledge of having your own office, people will want to make business and personal calls without being restricted to a desk. Being able to move to a quieter area of the office building if desired, or walking and talking which often helps people focus their minds and thoughts, particularly during lengthy conference calls.

So will work look very different in 1o years’ time? In my opinion there will always be a ‘base camp’ office for the vast majority of organisations, but workers are on the move and will continue to be so. Usable, beneficial technology is already here to help employees be more mobile, we now just have to work on the cultural change.