Section 1.1: Anticipating Future Disruptions

What major disruptions do you foresee for employers in the next 10-15 years? How can they adapt to these changes?

In the coming years, the traditional workplace will continue to evolve. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that many employees can remain productive outside of the office, enjoying an improved work-life balance and reduced commuting times. As organizations reopen and reconsider their office spaces, they must focus on employee wellness programs and the amenities they offer. Simply providing a desk and a water cooler will no longer suffice.

Access to inspiring collaboration spaces will be crucial for maintaining a company’s culture. Both leaders and employees will likely desire more in-person meetings, especially if the office is not the main hub of activity. Spaces like those provided by etc. venues in New York and London will play a key role in facilitating these interactions.

The decision about pursuing a college degree has become increasingly complex. In light of successful individuals who have thrived without degrees and the burden of student loan debt faced by many graduates, what guidance would you offer to young adults contemplating higher education?

The emphasis should be on acquiring knowledge and skills rather than merely attending college. While traditional education or apprenticeships were once the only pathways to better job prospects, today’s landscape offers numerous alternatives. Online learning platforms, like Harvard's free coding courses, provide opportunities across various fields.

Networking and building connections are also vital aspects of education. Many individuals are discovering that they can develop the skills they seek and cultivate new networks by attending multiple institutions.

Despite concerns about job losses, opportunities still exist. How should job seekers adjust their strategies for finding employment that aligns with their skills and interests?

The hospitality and events sectors present significant opportunities for those passionate about delivering excellent service. For individuals drawn to the industry, the focus on interpersonal skills will only become more valuable. The hospitality field is evolving to welcome creative and tech-savvy individuals. Those with creative talents can assist clients in crafting unforgettable events, transitioning the industry from traditional hospitality to experiential offerings. The rapid adoption of technology in the past two years has further expanded opportunities for service-oriented, tech-savvy professionals.

I encourage job seekers to consider innovative hospitality companies, like etc. venues, where numerous exciting opportunities await those who are committed to serving others.

The statistics surrounding automation’s potential to replace millions of jobs can be daunting. How should individuals navigate their career planning to safeguard against being replaced by technology?

Change can be intimidating. Instead of fixating on what we may lose, we should focus on what we can gain. While artificial intelligence will inevitably impact certain jobs, new opportunities will also arise. The key is to remain aware of these changes and proactively shape your career path to leverage emerging possibilities. For example, while the demise of Blockbuster led to the rise of Netflix, the latter ultimately created more jobs. The hospitality industry, rooted in human connections, is likely to remain resilient against obsolescence.

With the pandemic accelerating remote work trends, do you believe this shift will endure? Why or why not?

My answer is both Yes and No. Yes, technology has advanced rapidly due to lockdowns, and some roles may continue to operate remotely in the short term, altering what we once understood as a traditional workweek. However, in the medium and long term, individuals and organizations will recognize our innate need for personal interaction to thrive and foster organizational culture. Many employees were forced into remote work, not by choice but by necessity, leading to a potential shift back toward in-person engagements as restrictions ease.

The key takeaway is that while remote work has shown us we can work from anywhere, digital connectivity does not equate to cultural connectivity. Humans are inherently social beings, and collaboration is part of our nature. As in-person activities regain prominence, recent research indicates that 82% of respondents now place greater value on face-to-face meetings compared to pre-pandemic times.

Section 1.2: Societal Shifts for a New Work Era

What societal changes do you think are necessary to support the fundamental shifts in work?

Society has increasingly embraced a digital-first approach, and we’ve become accustomed to this model. Future communities and workplace relationships will blend online and offline experiences. As the boundaries between home and office blur, so too must our perceptions of online and in-person interactions. Society must adapt to this evolving landscape.

What challenges do you believe employers and employees will face in accepting these changes?

To remain competitive and retain top talent, employers must enhance their benefits, particularly regarding their facilities' design and features. Employees returning to the office will expect amenities akin to those found in hotels, including collaborative areas and advanced meeting spaces equipped for remote connections. Landlords should support these needs as it benefits both parties.

As we move forward, employees will also need to embrace flexibility and patience. Dedicated offices or desks may become less common, and coordinating in-office days for teams may require careful planning. Regular in-person gatherings will be essential for collaborative work.

The pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of the social safety net for workers across all income levels. Do you believe this issue should be addressed, and if so, how?

Elon Musk recently suggested the potential need for a universal basic income as automation replaces manual jobs. While this notion is concerning, I hope it's not the solution, as it could have detrimental effects on people's mental health. Instead, we need a targeted social safety net to assist those whose jobs are displaced by AI, focusing on short-term support. Ultimately, empowering workers through skill development will create more sustainable solutions.

Despite the challenges discussed, what gives you hope for the future of work?

My optimism stems from history. Disruptions and unexpected events have consistently challenged us, yet they also reveal our remarkable capacity for adaptation. Observing New York City’s resurgence after crises fuels my faith in human resilience. At etc. venues, I am amazed at our growth and transformation over just two years. With determination, we can always find pathways to improve and strengthen our businesses.

Historically, disruptions have often led to temporary job losses, followed by the emergence of new roles. How can we minimize the gap between job loss and job creation?

While this has been true in the past, I believe our current situation diverges from that pattern. The changes in workforce dynamics, evolving technologies, and emerging paradigms, such as the Metaverse, suggest that unfilled jobs and opportunities will persist for the foreseeable future.