THE FORECASTER – Multiplier’s digest of industry updates, trends, and insights from the world of global employment.

We’re nearing the end of an intriguing year in the realm of employment, with significant changes on the horizon in 2024. But 2023 isn’t over just yet; there’s still plenty of news, trends, and insights to dive into.

In this edition of The Forecaster, we look at the top stories relating to artificial intelligence, work culture, and return to the office (RTO) trends. There’s a lot going on out there, and it’s easy to miss important and exciting content—so we scour the internet, seeking high, low, and under every rock for the latest insights into the ever-evolving future of work.

Here’s what The Forecaster has in store for you today…

Artificial intelligence

Some love it, others fear it, and there’s likely a bunch of folks who are bored of hearing about it. But the reality is that artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay and is a valuable, game-changing tool for the working world. Business leaders are eager to find unique and innovative ways to harness AI. And, of course, Amazon just threw their hat in the ring.

Say hello to Q, Amazon’s new AI business chatbot

James Bond has a quirky pal named “Q,” and now so does Amazon. The announcement serves as their answer to competitors who’ve gained public interest with chatbots. This move demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to enhancing word choice, structure, readability, and eloquence while maintaining the essence of the original message. (Fortune)

AI to reduce bias in HR processes

“Over half of employees use GenAI at work for complex activities and believe it has the potential to reduce bias across a swath of HR processes, despite the fact that only 41 percent of organizations are actively evaluating it or have made GenAI a priority.” (Workplace Insights)

The good, the bad, and the responsible

The AI assistant’s journey is well underway, evolving from assistant to concierge to agent while promising to simplify our lives and boost productivity. Sounds like a tough ask. Trust is crucial for a successful assistant-user relationship. Delve into the potential pitfalls of autonomous agents and how companies can deploy them responsibly. (HBR)

More jobs, but potentially lower wages

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence could reduce wages, but so far, it’s creating jobs, not removing them. Especially the young and highly skilled, research published by the European Central Bank shows. As more firms invest heavily in AI, economists strive to understand its impact on the labor market and the fears for the future of many jobs. (Reuters)

Return to the office (RTO)

When the pandemic hit, everyone got a taste of remote work, many for the first time. While some people aren’t fond of it, the majority of remote workers want to work from home, but businesses are more inclined to return to the office. As you can imagine, it’s a tricky spot for business leaders, who must find viable and effective solutions to suit all parties. What’s your preference, suit and tie or pajamas?

Come back! We’ve got bright-colored sofas and beanbags

Would a more stylish space convince you to return to the workplace? We’re seeing it more and more amid the RTO trend. Companies try to combine the comforts of home with the glamour of an Instagram feed in an attempt to lure talent back to the office. But will it work? (NY Times)

The architecture of success

The Great Resignation and adoption of remote and hybrid work arrangements accelerated the transformation of workplaces. In response, more organizations prioritize employee experience, recognizing the need for environments that accommodate evolving work structures while fostering workforce satisfaction, engagement, and well-being. (Arch Daily)

Can next-gen offices solve the productivity puzzle?

Enhancing workforce productivity remains a top priority for businesses as they relentlessly search for that elusive catalyst for change. However, amidst this pursuit, the tremendous impact of a thoughtfully designed, forward-thinking workspace on productivity often goes unnoticed. (Workplace Insight)

Work culture

Work culture may sound like a buzzword, but it’s quickly become a crucial aspect of talent acquisition, retention, and productivity. Every organization is unique and has its own ideas about the best style of culture for its workers, but the employment landscape is ever-evolving—as are the wants and needs of employees.

Flexible work policies are more important than you think

A study by Mercer found that just 34% of companies have well-defined policies for flexible work. Almost half of the 749 companies analyzed rely on loose and informal guidelines, while 17% do not effectively manage them. This ambiguous approach can adversely affect employee attraction, retention, and even investor interest. (Fast Company)