Examining the Future of Work – Innovation Excellence

At Siemens ConneCTs 2018 I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Norbert Gaus, Head of R&D in Digitalization and Automation, and Barbara Humpton, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens USA and one of the topics of conversation that emerged was a collision of different insights and aspects surrounding the future of work. A couple of topics that come up quite frequently in relation to the future of work is whether or not the younger generations have the same work ethic as previous generations (Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation) and whether or innovation requires organizations to become more open. Dr. Nortbert Gaus doesn't think the work ethic of the new generation is lower than ours, but their expectations of work are different (the environment). Changing expectations will force employers to re-think how they engage with their workforce, build their work spaces, and structure teams, time schedules and compensation plans. "The ideal characteristics for future employees are curiosity and initiative."