Future Directions in Workplace Communication

Abstract

Various utopias and dystopias regarding the significance of human communication in the future workplace have been presented. Artificial intelligence (AI) will undoubtedly be one of the most remarkable influences on future work, and employees must prepare themselves to have social robots as coworkers. Partly as a result of the increased use of AI, various forms of self-employment will gain ground. Lifelong occupations and professions will be less common, and the value of one’s ever-evolving skills and knowledge, applicable to diverse work contexts, will consequently receive more emphasis. Knowledge work will increasingly take place in digital communication environments, and telework and other forms of flexible work will continue to grow in popularity. Because communication between people is indispensable, there will always be human work that cannot be automated. Interpersonal work will remain essential. Proficiency in interpersonal and team communication will definitely be a key asset for anyone working under changing circumstances, in varying contexts, and with diverse colleagues. The development of communication competence and the learning of interpersonal skills are vital for future work.