Working environment

Working environment

Working environment and the nature of work

With the advent of rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated digital technologies entering our working lives, the way we interact with work colleagues, our customers and suppliers is also constantly changing. Automation, Artificial Intelligence and digital communications are also influencing where and how we perform our duties, removing routine activity and depending on the nature of the occupation they may create new job roles whilst making the need for others redundant.

Whilst some occupations are on the decline in number, the range of new employment and career opportunities open to students and graduates upon graduation is also becoming ever more expansive. Even if you have identified an area of work that you would like to specialise in or are aiming to follow a recognised professional career route, there are numerous employers and forms of employment opportunities that may be presented to you.

Depending on the product, services and mission statement delivered by the organisation (customers or beneficiaries), the organisation may be a micro-organisation, or small and medium-sized enterprises, third sector (community companies, social enterprises, charities, associations, co-operatives etc). The opportunity may also take the form of self-employment, your business start-up or portfolio-career. The organisation or you may also operate locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.      

With each type of employment opportunity will come a huge range of opportunities and challenges both for the organisation and their workforce and the environment they operate, both positive but may also pose socio-economic challenges to the environment, communities and individuals.  

If you are interested in finding out more about which of the ‘four worlds of work’ might appeal most to you? Try this quick quiz created by PwC!

To explore these different forms of future work, take a look at this video clip presenting their view of the ‘workforce of the future and the competing forces shaping 2030: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9DygOlcr_g&feature=emb_rel_end