In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Phil Simon about his book, THE NINE: The Tectonic Forces Reshaping the Workplace. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Phil discussed the impact of various technological trends on the future of work, including employee empowerment, remote work, automation, and blockchain. They also explored the benefits and challenges of using chatbots in higher education, the acceleration of certain trends due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the ongoing tension between remote and office work. Lastly, they touched on the changing dynamics of work, the potential of fractional leadership, and the impact of tools like GPT-4 on higher education.
Discussing Phil's Book and Future Work Trends
Jonathan introduced Phil, a sought-after speaker and expert in technology collaboration and the future of work, to discuss Phil's book "The 9: The Tectonic Forces Reshaping the Workplace," published a year ago. Phil shared that the book has received positive feedback but challenges in gaining wider recognition. Despite a slight drop in employee empowerment, employment numbers remain strong. Phil expressed interest in revisiting the book's themes in a year to assess their continued relevance. They also discussed their shared curiosity and interdisciplinary approach, with Phil quoting Toni Morrison on writing books one wishes existed.
Discussing Trends and Future of Work
Phil and Jonathan discussed the significant impact of Chat GPT's launch in November 2022, with the platform reaching a million users within five days, surpassing previous records. Phil, who had observed various trends in the workplace, decided to delve into the interrelationships between these forces and their impact on the future of work. They began discussing the nine trends Phil identified, which include employee empowerment, remote work, inflation, automation, generative AI tools, blockchain, immersive tech, unhealthy analytics, and fraction. Jonathan agreed with Phil's perspective and reflected on the evolution of these trends over the past year and a half.
Chatbots in Higher Education: Benefits, Risks, and Adaptation
Jonathan discussed the initial debates and concerns surrounding the use of chatbots in higher education, noting that these worries have largely subsided as people have come to recognize their potential benefits. He emphasized that the tools can enhance teaching and student learning if used ethically and appropriately, and that they can force faculty to improve their assignments and teaching methods. Phil agreed, highlighting the parallel with the change from Blackboard to Canvas in his former institution, and the need to adapt to new technologies. He also pointed out the potential risks and dangers of these technologies, suggesting the need for tools like blockchain for security.
Covid-19 Trends and Return to Office Debate
Jonathan and Phil discussed the acceleration of certain trends due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jonathan argued that the pandemic forced many people and organizations to adopt technologies and remote work practices that were already available but not widely used before. However, he noted a trend of some leaders wanting to return to pre-pandemic norms, despite the success and benefits of these new practices. He criticized the universal 'return to office' mandates as a misguided over-correction and a failure to appreciate the lessons learned during the pandemic.
Blockchain Technology and Its Potential Benefits
Jonathan and Phil discussed the significance and benefits of blockchain technology, particularly in regards to data security and the fight against deep fakes and AI-generated content. Phil explained that blockchain provides a secure and immutable ledger that can be used to verify various types of information, such as proof of a home sale or roof replacement. He emphasized its importance in creating a safer and more efficient digital environment that could also allow for remote work. Despite the technology's previous fluctuation in value, Phil indicated that its potential for creating digital credentials and verifying identity is currently being recognized and developed by companies like Adobe and Microsoft.
Remote vs. Office Work and Trust Issues
Phil and Jonathan discussed the ongoing tension between remote and office work, focusing on issues of trust and the role of commercial real estate. Phil suggested that many companies may be pushing for in-person work due to vast tax benefits in certain cities. Jonathan emphasized the erosion of trust, particularly in workplaces, and questioned the effectiveness of mandatory in-person work policies. Both agreed that the quality of work is not necessarily tied to physical presence, and that many knowledge workers could be just as productive working remotely. They noted that the issue of commercial real estate leases would become a critical point when those leases were up for renewal.
Disrupting Work Dynamics Amid Covid-19
Phil and Jonathan discussed the changing dynamics of work, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. They agreed that remote working had been proven to be productive, with Phil citing research showing increased productivity over the years. They also discussed the shift in priorities, with Jonathan emphasizing that work should not be the most important thing in people's lives, and that work-life boundaries were being reclaimed. They touched on the potential of fractional leadership as a solution for companies that cannot afford full-time executives, but Phil noted that this was not a widely accepted practice. They concluded that these changes were causing significant disruption and would require organizations to adapt their management strategies to attract and retain the best employees.
Listen to the webinar here:
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