Future of Work Roundup - Week of July 17

Welcome to the Future of Work Roundup. Each week, we bring you five top stories—drawing from the latest academic research and industry trends—to give you an easily-digestible snapshot of how work is changing—and why it matters.

Remote Work Revitalizes Women's Careers: A Pandemic Silver Lining

According to Business Insider article, the pandemic unexpectedly surcharged women’s career with a record comeback thanks to remote work. However, this promising progress could be at risk if companies don't adapt their policies for managing and rewarding remote workers.

Economic Pressures Prompt Gen Z and Millennials to Seek Side Hustles

Business Insider reports that high living costs are prompting a significant portion of Gen Z and millennials to seek second jobs, often leveraging technology and social media for roles like gig work and online selling. The trend suggests a shift in young generations' attitudes towards work and life decisions, prompted by economic pressures and the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

Leveraging Flexibility: Businesses Embrace Remote Work to Retain Talent

CNBC reports a rise in remote and hybrid job roles across all industries, indicating a comeback of workforce flexibility. It suggests that amid slow wage growth, companies are leveraging job flexibility as an effective, less costly incentive to attract and retain employees in the post-pandemic labor market.

The Future of Cities: Hybrid Work and Its Impact on Real Estate

McKinsey Global Institute states that the pandemic-induced shift to hybrid work has caused a decrease in urban populations and demand for office and retail spaces. It suggests cities can adapt by developing mixed-use neighborhoods and flexible multi-use spaces.

KPMG Leverages AI and Cloud Services in $2B Microsoft Partnership

As the The Wall Street Journal reported, KPMG is betting on AI and cloud services with a $2 billion investment through a partnership with Microsoft, signifying a broader tech pivot amidst a slowdown in the consulting sector.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for next week’s Future of Work roundup.