Ricoh Europe sponsored Economist Intelligence Unit white paper: academics and leaders predict the top trends they believe will change how we work in the next 10 to 15 years

LONDON, 22-4-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Workplace experts from a cross-section of industries have revealed the top trends they believe will change how we work in the next 10 to 15 years.

In a new white paper focused on ‘The Future of Work’, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Ricoh Europe, senior academics and business leaders predict the drivers that will impact and shape our future working environments.

Collectively, the top three trends identified point to a more automated, mobile future where workforces are led by a new type of manager. An online poll of over 500 business decision makers revealed the trends set to have the biggest impact on the future of work to be:

• Everywhere ergonomics: As work is increasingly digitised, everywhere – from employees’ homes to public spaces – is a potential working environment.
• Automation: The process of automaton could make some jobs obsolete, leaving those that rely on creativity and social intelligence.
• Changing working patterns: Managers will need to become more effective at nurturing talent to ensure the long-term success of the company.

David Mills, Chief Executive Officer, Ricoh Europe, says: “As part of their long-term vision, businesses need to prepare for the integration of future technologies by ensuring they have the capacity and resources to optimise relevant underpinning processes prior to adoption. This lays the foundations for new ways of working and the establishment of truly collaborative environments, which help to attract and retain talent. Key to achieving this is the attitude and attributes of managers. Their role in empowering and nurturing workers will become increasingly crucial to the future success of the business.”

In addition to the key trends set to impact on all industries, the white paper also imagines the future bank, government, hospital and university. Insight into how these cornerstones of many European towns and cities will evolve includes:

• Cutting edge automation of processes at banks forcing a focus on getting the most from human qualities
• Civil servants collaborating digitally across multiple locations, as the shift in working practices gather pace
• Hospitals relying on multiskilled, highly resilient staff, as pressures mount from stagnating budgets and growing numbers of patients with complex conditions
• Universities adopting more flexible ways to deliver higher education in order to move closer to industry

Mills adds: “While we wait to see which trends enter the mainstream, we can remain confident that within the next 10 to 15 years the workplace will become more fluid, connected and collaborative, thanks to the demands of working in the digital age.”

Download the white paper at www.ricoh-europe.com/thoughtleadership.

About Ricoh
Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2014, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,195 billion yen based on the IFRS accounting standard (approx. 21.3 billion USD).

The majority of the company’s revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialized industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.

Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change. Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com/about/

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