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Evolution of work

Work is evolving. The development of new technology and new ways of working will make the future of work far more varied than what has come before.

Find out about the evolution of work and gain an insight on what the future of work may look like with our articles, eBooks, tools and guides.

Featured content

FeaturedeBook

The evolution of work: post-pandemic hybrid working

This whitepaper analyses survey data from 2,000 UK office workers on hybrid working. It examines professionals experience and views on this evolution of work, and explores whether the hybrid model really is the future of work.

2 minute read

Latest Articles

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The rise of social media in the recruitment process

We asked three social-media-savvy Reed experts for their advice and insight on all things social media and its role in the recruitment process.

5 minute read

Allyship in tech careers: benefits for employers

With the digital skills gap a big challenge for organisations, it pays to address the root cause. In this blog, Kevin Dainty, Client Relationship Manager for Reed’s technology division, answers key questions about the value of allyship in the sector.

6 minute read

Workplace monitoring: guidance for your organisation

Employee monitoring can be a controversial subject. In recent years, technology has transformed the monitoring of staff as workplaces adapt to changing practices. This blog examines how employee monitoring can benefit businesses and how employees should be made aware of the tactics being deployed and reasoning behind them.

3 minute read

Employee ambassadorship programmes: benefits for your business

Employees are an organisation’s greatest asset, and many employers are realising the benefit of nurturing brand ambassadors who can provide an authentic voice to promote business developments and success. This blog explores how to set up an employee ambassadorship programme and the benefits employers might expect.

3 minute read

AI jobs: opportunities dwindle as employers hesitate on use of artificial intelligence

AI has scarcely left the headlines since the arrival of ChatGPT last winter – a pebble that created a tidal wave of reaction to how life as we know it might change. As for its impact on the labour market, the latest Bloomberg UK and Reed Jobs Report indicates caution from employers in offering AI job opportunities – but why?

3 minute read

Businesses and universities: a match made in jobs heaven

Following the release of the latest Bloomberg UK and Reed Jobs Report showing Cambridge is leading the way in jobs creation, our Chairman and CEO James Reed considers how university cities and entrepreneurs are the perfect match.

2 minute read

Cambridge beats Oxford in job creation race

The ‘knowledge economy’ of elite university cities Oxford and Cambridge is a distinct advantage in terms of job creation – and the latest Bloomberg UK and Reed Jobs Report shows Cambridge has the edge. This article summarises the findings of the September 2023 report.

3 minute read

Sponsorships: building a global talent pool and diversifying your workforce

The world has seen a revolution in interconnectivity and globalisation following the pandemic, and with higher rates of remote work being offered across the UK, sponsorships have risen too. We explore the benefits of sponsorships for employers and guidance on how to effectively offer them to increase your talent pool.

5 minute read

Pride Month 2023: developing the mindset of an LGBTQ+ ally

This Pride Month, Reed’s own Inclusion and Belonging Lead Chris Brindley shares practical tips on how we can all be effective allies in the workplace and contribute to positive change for the LGBTQ+ community.

6 minute read

Changing perceptions: how to create an inspiring office space

One of the best ways to engage a workforce and increase productivity is to give employees a space that promotes wellbeing and pride. Becky Turner, Workplace Psychologist at Claremont Group Interiors, examines how organisations can enhance office space to inspire workers.

6 minute read

How to make your business more attractive to working parents

Balancing work and family life can be a challenge for many, and employers need to offer family-friendly policies to attract and retain talent. Here are some top tips for making your business more attractive to working parents.

4 minute read

The 15-minute city: the future of the workplace

Imagine travelling no longer than 15 minutes to reach your workplace, do your shopping and access green space. Recently, discussions around so-called ‘15-minute cities’ have been gaining momentum. We consider the impact this revolutionary concept could have on UK businesses and employees in the future.

4 minute read

Internal communications: how to add value to your business

How much value does your company place on internal comms? Jennifer Sproul, Chief Executive of the Institute of Internal Communication, outlines ways you can improve communication internally to enhance productivity and give your organisational culture a boost.

4 minute read

Hiring in 2023: top technology recruitment insights

Our recent webinar saw a panel of Reed’s leaders examining the most significant areas of recruitment in their sector this year. During this webinar, Chris Adcock, Managing Director – Reed Technology explored what 2023 holds for recruitment in the tech sector.

9 minute read

Principles of ESG: strategies for accountancy and finance practices

Of the many pressures facing business leaders, implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies is uppermost. As financial organisations grapple with the seeming intangibilities of the subject, let’s look at current integration challenges and what to expect on the road ahead.

4 minute read

LGBT History Month 2023: exploring the past, present and future of work

While LGBTQ+ discrimination and workplace conflict may seem like ancient history to some, it is only in recent years that diversity and inclusion policies have effected real change. As February marks LGBT History Month, we look at the progress made in the workplace so far and how employers can ensure everyone feels they belong.

7 minute read

Maintaining an inclusive workplace in 2023

Reed has partnered with the CIPD to produce ‘Inclusion at Work 2022’, the survey report highlighted the need for companies to focus their approach on inclusion and diversity (I&D) in the workplace. We interviewed Dr Jill Miller, Senior Policy Adviser at the CIPD, the brains behind the research, to find out more about the report and what more needs to be done on inclusion and diversity in UK workplaces.

5 minute read

Five ways to ensure your business can be sustainable

Developing a sustainable business will help employers reduce their environmental impact and take advantage of climate change opportunities on the way to becoming net zero. Here are five ways your organisation can reduce costs and protect the environment.

4 minute read

The five marketing roles on the rise in 2023

2023 will be another year of exciting innovation in the marketing sector, as well as fierce competition for the best professionals. Our guide shows how salaries have increased for the top marketing roles based on region.

5 minute read

Sustainable IT: how tech can harness ESG principles to build a greener future

Sustainability, reducing emissions, saving costs, and investing in tech are all high on most company’s agendas, and while technology can help reduce emissions, it also has its own consequences. Here’s how by using environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles, businesses can make better use of their technology and help build a greener future.

4 minute read

Long service: inspiring employee longevity

Is the idea of long service for an organisation outdated or unrealistic? With younger generations inclined to ‘job hop’, we spoke to seasoned professionals with decades of loyal service to their employer, to discover their reasons for putting down roots.

6 minute read

The rise and rise of augmented reality

In the past 50 years, technology has moved faster and faster to a point where it outstrips demand. While queues still form for the latest gadget craze, plenty of shiny tech has fallen by the wayside. In this blog, I’ll look at augmented reality (AR) and its growing potential.

4 minute read

Digital transformation: putting people at the heart of change

More and more businesses are going through a digital transformation in a bid to remain competitive, stay innovative, and improve their customers and employees’ experience. We explore examples of best practice digital transformation strategies, how they differ between industries, and the importance of having the right people to drive the change you want and need.

9 minute read

Adapting to tech adoption: the future of accountancy and finance

Digital transformation is changing the landscape of the finance sector. If you’re yet to update your systems and practices, here’s a look at how you might successfully integrate new tech into your organisation. We won’t pretend it’ll all be plain sailing but it will ultimately pay dividends.

4 minutes read

Employee satisfaction: principles for raising and maintaining morale

There has never been a more important time for employers to discover what matters to their workers. We spoke to People Insight’s Director Carolyn Nevitte about the all-important employee satisfaction survey.

4 minute read

Retirement, unretirement and attracting the ageing workforce

The ‘Great Retirement’ seems to be coming to an end in favour of a new ‘Great Unretirement’, largely driven by the cost-of-living crisis. In this blog, we explore what older workers, many of whom are at the forefront of this new phenomenon, are looking for in their next employer and how to ensure your recruitment process is age inclusive.

5 minute read

Employee monitoring: big brother at work

Remote working has led to the increased use of staff monitoring software, but what’s the best practice for employers planning to install it? We asked Hayfa Mohdzaini, Senior Research Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) who specialises in technology research, for her thoughts.

4 minutes read

How to prevent a toxic workplace culture

For your workplace to thrive, you must promote a healthy working culture. This article will help you explore how to identify the signs of toxicity in the workplace, the impacts of toxicity on your bottom line, and how to create a healthier culture.

4 minute read

Technology in the workplace: how it’s evolving, and how to stay ahead of the curve

No matter the sector or industry, technology in the workplace allows businesses to reach new heights. We explore how workplace technology is constantly evolving and how businesses can harness its capabilities to remain competitive, progressive and sustainable.

6 minute read

The impact of AI and machine learning on how businesses operate

Government figures suggest around 15% of all businesses in the UK – 432,000 companies – have already adopted at least one AI technology. We explore the impact these systems can have on businesses and how you could utilise them to grow your bottom line.

4 minute read

Jobs of the future: preparing your business

The world of work constantly evolves, but is your business ready for the future? We examine the types of jobs likely to emerge, how to get the best out of your employees, and how to futureproof your business.

5 minute read

Fostering positivity: how your business can continue to promote a positive work environment

As working conditions continue to adapt, we examine how you can promote a positive work environment for your staff.

4 minute read

Job sharing: why two heads might be better than one

With flexible working becoming increasingly sought after by the UK workforce, it’s worth exploring the benefits that job sharing could bring your organisation.

4 minute read

Healthcare giant Bupa discusses the importance of investing in ESG

Anna Russell, Director of ESG at Bupa Global & UK, talks to Reed about why it's important for companies to invest in their ESG strategy.

6 minute read

Hybrid working – what is it and what's the best approach?

Recent research by Reed revealed that hybrid working is in high demand among office workers. Find out more about this evolution of work…

4 mins read

PwC on their class pay gap report and the need for business transparency

Brenda Trenowden CBE, Lead Partner in Inclusion & Diversity at PwC, discusses the firms recently published socio-economic pay gap report and advises of the benefits to businesses.

8 minute read

Reduced pay for remote workers – is it feasible or desirable?

With some companies stipulating that remote workers will face reduced pay, Reed examines if this is set to become a wider trend.

5 minute read

Menstrual leave: Supporting employees through their periods

A Reed LinkedIn poll found that 52% of over 1,000 professionals believe period leave should be a universal benefit in the UK.

5 minute read

Telecoms giant Openreach explain how they have tackled recruiting more women

Jamie Beer, Talent Acquisition Manager at Openreach, one of the largest communication companies in the world, talks about inclusion and diversity and why attracting and retaining females as part of the Openreach workforce is important.

2 minute read

Pronouns and inclusivity in the workplace – what companies need to know

Following the introduction of pronouns on LinkedIn, what do you need to consider about their use in your workplace?

5 minute read

PR giant McCann reveals its new hybrid working model

John Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of PR agency McCann Central, talks to Reed about how the firm adapted to remote working and what its future hybrid working model will look like.

5 minute read

How employers can clamp down on unacceptable online hate

Keith Rosser, Chair of the Better Hiring Institute, Chair of SAFERjobs and Director of Group Risk and Reed Screening, warns of the importance of social media screening when it comes to new and existing employees following the British Grand Prix and Euro 2020 championships.

5 minute read

Prepare your business for the ‘great resignation’

With resignations expected to increase following the easing of restrictions, here are tips for companies to develop high-quality candidate attraction and employee retention strategies.

6 minute read

A four-day work week: the pros and cons

The past 16 months have given organisations time to consider how they operate, including the number of hours and days they require employees to work.

5 minute read

Five post-pandemic recruitment tips

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the recruitment landscape. Reed's Ben Tsui gives you his top five tips to navigate the post-pandemic recruitment market.

4 minute read

Remote onboarding: successfully settle into your new job online

This blog explores the considerations you should make when starting a new remote role so that you can be an essential member of the team and acclimate quickly to your new role.

4 minute read

How to manage a team remotely

Managing your team while working remotely can be tricky, which is why we've compiled this guide on managing your team while remote working.

3 minute read

Tax relief for those working from home

Find out how to claim tax relief for remote working expenses – including your electricity and heating bills.

2 minute read

Still looking to recruit while working remotely? Here’s how to prepare your business to onboard remotely.

An effective onboarding process is essential for integrating new employees into an organisation. Here's how.

5 minute read

Effective virtual team building

While social interactions are being limited by the increased frequency of remote working, building social connections among your team is still possible. Here's how.

3 minute read

Conducting video meetings from home effectively

Video meetings are the best alternative to in-person meetings, but there are limitations. This blog aims to provide you with key advice on making video conferencing as effective as possible.

4 minute read

Tips for employees on remote working

If you do not work from home regularly, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you to maintain your productivity.

5 minute read

Plan your daily tasks with our free interactive to-do list

Use the weekly to-do list included in this article to help you plan your week while working remotely.

2 minute read

3 tips from an expert to get your team back to work safely

Gerard Hand, former President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and Company Director of GPH Safety, suggests the following three measures to make your workplace Covid-secure.

2 minute read

How to: find working from home jobs

How do you find the best work from home positions? Don't panic. Luckily, we have a filter to help you do exactly that.

3 minute read

Looking after your team’s mental wellbeing while working from home

With more people working from home, the issue of mental health has never been as important. Reed's Bukola Odofin details how you can manage your team's wellbeing remotely.

3 minute read

Working from home with children

Some parents may not have experienced working from home with their children before. Here are some tips which will help you to stay productive and be a good parent.

2 minute read

The seven sales skills and traits employers are looking for in 2021

Reed's 2021 Sales Salary Guide reveals the key skills and traits sales professionals need this year.

4 minute read

Five reasons for the hospitality and leisure sector to be optimistic in 2021

2020 was a year to forget for all those in hospitality and leisure, but our 2021 salary guide predicts that the sector will experience a resurgence this year.

3 minute read

Covid-19 is changing the face of a sales professional’s role

We outline the findings from Reed's 2021 Sales Salary Guide.

4 minute read

Employer behaviour during pandemic sees surge of people looking to move job

Research from Reed has found that employer behaviour and newly acquired skills gained during the pandemic are driving more people to look for a career move than before lockdown.

3 minute read

The new roles created by Covid-19

The coronavirus has had a major impact on the economy and the job market. Find out what new roles have emerged.

2 minute read

Upskill engineers and safeguard your future through Covid-19

Mark Brown, Reed's engineering expert, argues that now is the perfect time to upskill your engineers and boost your range of skill sets in the future.

4 minute read

Changes to the hospitality and leisure sector after Covid-19

Read about how the hospitality and leisure sector has changed after Covid-19.

4 minute read

Remote teaching tips: how to teach online from home

Reed's education specialists reveal where to start with setting up remote live teaching and top tips for teachers working at home.

3 minute read

Waterfall and agile: which one suits your team best?

Reed presents the fundamental differences between the traditional waterfall framework and the agile framework

3 minute read

Continuing Professional Development during Covid-19: no time like the present

Staying up-to-date with continuous professional development gives teachers the chance to reinforce existing skills and learn new ones.

3 minute read

Is your PC slowing you down? Here’s how you can speed things up

There are many challenges when working remotely, from children to connectivity. Here are some simple suggestions, all of which are free and require little to no modifications, to help you increase the speed of both Windows and MacOS devices.

5 minute read

The fall of ‘mad men’ advertising: eradicating gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity

The advertising sector is male-dominated, but as more women are taking on leadership roles, we can see a significant drop in negative stereotypes in adverts.

5 minute read

How to successfully promote neurodiversity in your organisation

Bukola Odofin, Reed's HR expert, argues why it is critical for organisations to prioritise incorporating neurodivergent employees into their teams.

4 minute read

Latest Tools, Guides, eBooks

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Employee monitoring: a guide to best practices

This eBook, ‘Employee monitoring: a guide to best practices’ aims to help you decide whether employee tracking is right for your organisation. Complete with advice and insights from thought leaders, the guide looks at types of surveillance, who, when and where to monitor, ethical considerations and practicalities.

2 minute read

London calling: the capital’s post-pandemic employment landscape

This report analyses a survey of business leaders to investigate current business landscape in London. It examines employment trends, whether companies are adopting hybrid and remote working, and organisations’ plans for salaries and property.

1 minute read

An interactive guide to recruiting for hybrid roles

Our interactive video helps you to adapt your recruitment process to hire the best professionals for hybrid roles.

1 minute read

The evolution of work: post-pandemic hybrid working

2 minute read

Hybrid working policy template

Whether you are looking for inspiration, want to use it across your own company, or choose to adapt it to suit your needs, this template is an excellent example of how you can implement hybrid working.

2 minute read

How to onboard employees remotely guide

For many businesses onboarding remote workers is a new challenge. Download our free guide to take you through the best practice steps.

2 minute read

Working from home: practical advice for teachers and lecturers

This guide will provide you with the guidance and tools you need to successfully teach from home.

1 minute read

A guide to remote working

Reed’s guide to remote working tells you everything you need to know about working from home - from how to manage your team to coping with your children.

4 minute read

Practical advice for social workers during Covid-19

This guide, produced using insight from social work managers around the country, will provide you with practical advice and tips for working remotely.

2 minute read

Maintain your mental wellbeing while working from home

Written at the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown, this guide gives you and your employees advice from industry experts on maintaining mental wellbeing while working remotely.

1 minute read

Latest Webinars

Flexible working: making it work for your business

We partnered with law firm Blanchards Bailey to explore the challenges SMEs are encountering when offering flexible working arrangements.

The future of working in London

Our panellists from some of the top companies in London discussed their thoughts on the future of work in the city.

The evolution of work: hybrid working

In this webinar we were joined by panellists James Reed, Jamie Beer and Tushar Agarwal to discuss their thoughts and business experience on this fast-growing way of working.

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Evolution of Work - Frequently Asked Questions

What the future of work looks like will be dictated by the development of new technologies and ways of working. The rise of the four-day work week and job sharing highlight how some workplaces are rapidly shifting away from traditional models. Artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more prevalent in businesses, removing the human aspect to some jobs, and creating new ones in their place. With the increase in remote working, will physical offices still exist? How far will technology take us? What jobs will become obsolete? Will we be working using virtual reality or augmented reality? These are just some questions that we may ask ourselves about what the future of work looks like.

Since 2000, we have seen vast changes to the world of work. The evolution of work has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which played a huge role in changing workplace attitudes and practices – Reed CEO and Chairman James Reed argues we are seeing the biggest change to working practices in the past 100 years. More importance is now placed on a company’s ethical practices, employees hold more power than before, wellbeing is a top priority for most businesses, there is a greater emphasis on promoting positive workplaces, and many employees are now working from home.

We have all seen how quickly the world of work can change and being prepared for the future is essential to businesses’ success. An agile business is one that can adapt quickly to the changing landscape and preparing for the future of work is an integral part of that. Download our free whitepaper ‘The evolution of work: post-pandemic hybrid working’ to find out how you can plan for the future of hybrid working, or view our article on how to recruit in a post-covid world.

Jobs that are likely to emerge in the next few years will largely be driven by technological advances. These jobs of the future include data scientists, AI and machine learning specialists, software developers, app developers, and digital transformation specialists – all of which are going to grow in demand and become largely sought after.

Aside from technology, we will also see renewable energy engineers become more prevalent as the world continues to limit the effects of climate change. And in the next 20 years and beyond, roles such as AI psychologists may feature more prominently to maintain the psychological health of systems, and drone managers may become popular as businesses look to find innovate and environmentally friendly ways of delivering goods. Read more about jobs of the future.

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