HBS Managing the Future of Work

Jonas Prising, Chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup, dives into the evolving labor landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges. He discusses the rise of remote work, emphasizing the need for adaptability in talent management. Generational shifts demand flexibility in work environments. As AI transforms efficiency, he highlights the critical need for reskilling and upskilling to combat workforce disparities. Prising also touches on the global talent flow and the paradox of protectionism, underscoring the importance of inclusive hiring practices in today’s fragmented market.

Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas, leads a nonprofit transforming tech training for underserved communities. He shares how AI is reshaping career pathways and emphasizes the need for both hard and soft skills to thrive in the evolving job market. The conversation covers the importance of addressing 'hidden workers,' advocating for skills-based hiring, and strategic partnerships that enhance curriculum and job placements. Ayala's vision for the future includes expanding access to tech careers, ensuring economic mobility for all.

Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford economist and AI expert, shares invaluable insights on AI's disruptive role in the economy and workforce. He discusses how generative AI is reshaping productivity and job functions, emphasizing the balance between human skills and machine efficiency. Erik also highlights the need for innovative governance to harness AI safely while capturing the value of digital goods. He unveils projects aimed at redefining GDP metrics, showcasing the urgency of adapting to AI's transformative impact on labor and economic structures.

Cal Newport, a Georgetown University computer science professor and author, explores the pitfalls of modern productivity and digital distractions. He advocates for 'Slow Productivity' as a healthier approach to work. Newport discusses the role of generative AI, emphasizing its potential to augment jobs rather than replace them. He also highlights the need for tailored solutions in remote work environments and reflects on how technology can balance efficiency with meaningful living. Ultimately, he encourages mindful internet use to enhance life experiences.

David Deming, a Harvard professor focused on the intersection of labor markets and education, dives deep into AI's early impact on the workforce. He questions if the claims of revolutionary change are overstated while offering insights on technological disruption. The discussion covers the decline in community college enrollment linked to economic shifts, the impact of colleges on social mobility, and the importance of adapting education for an AI-driven economy. Deming also addresses public policy challenges in navigating these rapid labor market changes.

Ed Glaeser, a leading urban economist from Harvard, tackles the pressing challenges facing cities today. He analyzes how COVID-19 reshaped urban resilience and health disparities, while discussing the transformative potential of AI for future work dynamics, including the risk of losing mentorship in skilled professions. Glaeser also delves into urban planning complexities, such as congestion pricing in New York City, and emphasizes the need for innovative housing solutions and workforce development strategies that adapt to our post-pandemic reality.

Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, discusses the transformative role of AI in education. He shares his journey from skepticism to championing ethical AI use, emphasizing its potential to democratize education. Khan explores how AI tutors like Conmigo can mitigate learning loss and improve skills like reading and writing. He highlights the organization's reliance on philanthropy while outlining plans for future growth, including offering credits and expanding global outreach, all while stressing the need for responsible AI integration to bridge gaps in education.

Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen and advocate for skills-first hiring, discusses innovative ways to address degree inflation and create equitable job opportunities for Black workers. She emphasizes the importance of employer engagement in building career pathways, especially for entry-level roles. Dyson also explains the skills-first hiring movement, including its impact on workplace diversity and the need to rethink traditional hiring practices. With over 132,000 hires linked to this initiative, she highlights success stories and a commitment to reshaping the workforce landscape.

Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economist and expert on remote work, dives into the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics. He discusses the momentum of the work-from-home trend and how businesses can effectively manage hybrid teams. Bloom highlights the importance of flexibility for employee satisfaction and shares insights from a study on hybrid performance. He also examines the shifting role of HR leaders and the social and environmental impacts of remote work, including its implications for diversity and family life.

How do you foster inclusion, economic mobility, and a sense of purpose across a global organization with both franchise and direct employees? Laura Fuentes, Hilton CHRO, on supporting frontline workers and promoting from within in a traditionally high-turnover business; meeting the needs of a diverse clientele with a diverse workforce; skills development; automation; and leveraging employee feedback.