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If you only read one book on the future of work, Work Disrupted: Opportunity, Resilience, and Growth in the Accelerated Future of Work should be that book.
The future of work swept in sooner than expected, accelerated by Covid-19, creating an urgent need for new maps, new mindsets, new strategies-- and most importantly, a trusted guide to take us on this journey. That guide is Jeff Schwartz. A founding partner of Deloitte Consulting’s Future of Work practice, Schwartz brings clarity, humor, wisdom, and practical advice to the future of work, a topic surrounded by misinformation, fear, and confusion. With a fundamental belief in the power of human innovation and creativity, Schwartz presents the key issues, critical choices, and potential pitfalls that must be on everyone’s radar.
Written in a conversational style by Schwartz, with Suzanne Riss, an award-winning journalist and book author, Work Disrupted offers a welcome alternative to books on the topic that lack a broad perspective or dwell on the problems rather than offer solutions. Timely and insightful, the book includes the impact of Covid-19 on our present and future work. Interviews with leading thinkers on the future of work offer additional perspectives and guidance.Cartoons created for the book by leading business illustrator Tom Fishburne bring to life the reader’s journey and the complex issues surrounding the topic.
Told from the perspective of an economist, management advisor, and social commentator, Work Disrupted offers hope--and practical advice--exploring such topics as:
How we frame what lies ahead is a critical navigational tool. Discover the signposts that can serve as practical guides for individuals who have families to support, mortgages to pay, and want to stay gainfully employed no matter what the future holds.
The importance of recognizing the rapidly evolving opportunities in front of us. Learn how to build resilience—in careers, organizations, and leaders—for what lies ahead.
Why exploring new mental models helps us discover the steps we need to take to thrive. Individuals can decide how to protect their livelihood while businesses and public institutions can consider how they can lead and support workforces to thrive in twenty-first-century careers and work.
"Jeff's marvelous book is a roadmap for the new world of work with clear signposts. His insights will help readers discover opportunities, take action, and find hope in uncertain times. The ideas are fresh, beautifully crafted, and immediately applicable. This is not only a book to be read, but savored and used."
—Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan; Partner, the RBL Group; Co-author Reinventing the Organization
Jeff Schwartz is an expert on the Future of Work and founder of Deloitte's Future of Work practice. Jeff advises Boards and C-Suite executives on business transformations across work, the workforce, and the workplace. He has delivered dozens of Future of Work keynotes (at The World Economic Forum, Singularity University, Amazon, The Aspen Institute, etc). Jeff is the editor of Deloitte's Human Capital Trends report, and a regular contributor to leading business publications including MIT Sloan Management Review, the Wall Street Journal, Wired magazine, Quartz.com, Bloomberg.com, and Wharton.
Suzanne Riss is a journalist, two-time author, and winner of seven editorial awards. She received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. She was previously Editor-in-Chief of Working Mother magazine (where she oversaw the 100 Best companies list, a leading benchmark for corporate America). She is an authority on work/life trends and has been interviewed by The New York Times, Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN, and more. She is also a contributor to the Economist Group, InvestmentNews, American Demographics.
Tom Fishburne is the illustrator. His cartoons have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and The New York Times.
Foreword by Erica Volini, Global Human Capital Leader, Deloitte Consulting
Introduction
Chapter 1: From Fear to Growth: Mindsets and Playbooks for Twenty-first-century Careers and Work
PART I: FIND OPPORTUNITY IN A TIME OF ACCELERATED CHANGE: Redesigning Work, Workforces, and Workplaces
Chapter 2: People and Machines Working Together: Integrating AI and Workers in Every Team, in Every Job
Chapter 3: Making Alternative Work a Meaningful Opportunity: The Workforce Will Include More Part-time, Contract, Freelance, Gig, and Crowd Workers
Chapter 4: Working from Almost Anywhere: Redesign Workplaces from Where We Work to How We Work: Onsite, Online, and Everything in Between
PART II: BUILD LONG-TERM RESILIENCE FOR UNCERTAIN FUTURES: Reimagining Careers, Organizations, and Leadership
Chapter 5: Plan for Many Careers, Not One: Realistic and Energizing Transition Strategies for Multichapter Lives
Chapter 6: The Rise of Teams: Reinventing Organizations, from Individuals and Hierarchies to Teams and Networks
Chapter 7: Leaders as Coaches and Designers: Moving Beyond Managing Workflows and Controlling Direct Reports to Creating, Influencing, and Building
PART III: PLAYBOOKS FOR GROWTH: Charting Paths Forward for Individuals, Leaders, Citizens, and Society
Chapter 8: Carpe Diem: As Individuals, Strengthen Adaptability and Choice to Face Great Opportunities and Disproportionate Responsibilities
Chapter 9: Create Opportunity: As Business Leaders, Unlock Value by Reimagining Jobs and Partnering with Workers to Build Resilience and Dynamic Careers
Chapter 10: Set New Agendas: As Citizens and Communities, Reset Education, Labor Regulations, Job Transitions, and Societal Norms to Reflect Our Values
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Authors
Index
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