#FutureWorkDebatte

The #FutureWorkDebatte is a series of virtual talks revolving around the digital transformation and the impact thereof on organisation, work, employment and qualification. Together we want to examine which digital technologies, when used in day-to-day business life, will bring about huge changes, and how companies and employees together are preparing for this. This is the objective of the Human Resources Working Group coordinated by acatech, which is a forum for debate for Chief Human Resources Officers and scientists.

It’s up to companies, workers, social partners and legislators to shape the digital transformation as they see fit. Together they can better frame the world of work as it becomes increasingly digital, and create opportunities for innovation.

Review

The green transformation of the German economy is progressing. This has an impact on the HR policy and strategy of companies. The HR Circle debated the possibilities and means available in this context at the #FutureWorkDebate on 27 June 2023.

Co-determination is an elementary building block for digitalisation processes to work in companies. In the #FutureWorkDebate on 22 May, co-determination as a success component for companies was the focus of the debate. Moderated by Frank Riemensperger, the participants talked about the relevance and possibilities of implementation. Read the follow-up report (including a recording of the discussion).

The “Technology Quotient” (TQ) as a variable for the competitiveness of companies was discussed at the #FutureWorkDebate on 26 April. How an increase in TQ can be achieved in companies and why it is important was discussed by the participants under the moderation of HR Circle host Frank Riemensperger. Here is the follow-up report (including a recording of the discussion).

The focus of the #FutureWorkDebatte on 3 April was data-driven decisions. In Human Resources in particular, workers can make better decisions with data that is generated, selected and analysed appropriately. Guests discussed with acatech’s Human Resources Working Group host Frank Riemensperger where exactly this potential can be unlocked and what is required to do so. More on this in the report (including a recording of the discussion).

The topic of the #FutureWorkDebatte on 16 March 2023 was, How will AI affect HR? It is clear that AI applications such as ChatGPT are changing the area of HR. Experts from science and industry discussed with members of the public what is in store for companies, what the potential applications for AI are and why the timing of the surge in AI is perfect. Download the report (including a recording of the discussion).

In the first #FutureWorkDebatte of 2023 on 25 January, six perspectives on the digital transformation of work were up for discussion. The Human Resources Working Group coordinated by acatech presented these in December 2022. After an intensive discussion, it was clear at the end of the debate that these perspectives are robust enough to continue the discussion of the future of work around their core substance.

At the fifth and final #FutureWorkDebatte of 2022 on 30 November, invitees retraced developments in the world of work during the coronavirus pandemic. After the first lockdown in spring 2020, things moved quickly: within a matter of days remote working was introduced across the board, leaving no time for companies or government agencies to plan implementation properly. Now that the pandemic is all but over, this must be done urgently, as the new forms of work are here to stay. You can read in our report what measures and steps the experts proposed (including recording of the virtual panel discussion).

The fourth #FutureWorkDebatte on 26 October centred on the topic of strategic human resource planning. This method is currently enjoying a comeback. It is a long-term approach to identifying and addressing human resource changes in the company – which is a major challenge at a time when markets are undergoing rapid change and crises are causing severe setbacks. However, strategic human resource planning can help: for example, with establishing a digital culture that makes companies more resilient. More on this in our report (including recording of the virtual panel discussion).

The third #FutureWorkDebatte took place on 28 September. On this occasion, participants discussed the impact of digitalisation on work in industry and production; that is, the blue collar sector. The debate made clear once again that the image of industrial workers wearing dungarees, tools in hand, keeping factories up and running is very outdated. More on this in the report on the event; you will also find a video recording of the entire debate at this link.

At the second event of the series on 21 July participants discussed the impacts of the “3Ds” (digitalisation, decarbonisation, demographics) on the world of work and called for collective efforts in relation to qualification and migration. The report is available here.

Kicking off the series on 24 May, experts from science, business and politics gathered to discuss the topic “Digitale Transformation gemeinsam gestalten” (Shaping the digital transformation together). More than 100 spectators turned in to the public online event. The report is available here.

Upcoming

The next event of the #FutureWorkDebate will take place on 15 November 2023, 17:00 – 18:30. The topic: “Global Workforce“, hosted by acatech and BMW AG.

Further information about the event and registration is available here.