Hey Gartner, the future is here

Posted by: Matt Rivera

At an upcoming IT Summit in September, Gartner analysts are set to discuss the changing nature of work and describe how the working world will dramatically change in the next decade (10 changes in the next 10 years). The release that announces the upcoming event uses words like “hyperconnectedness” and “de-routinization,” both of which are not recognized by my spell checker — a good indication that it’s becoming harder and harder to find old words to describe new phenomena. But basically, they are describing the frantic and chaotic workplace of the future.

The report was focused on organizations in general, with a slant toward IT. But while reading it, I couldn’t help envisioning myself wearing a headset and some type of mobile keyboard and monitor thing slung over my shoulder like a drummer in a marching band. (Hey, did I just invent something?)

As I link up with my “swarm,” I hand out the assignments and frantically type on my keyboard, trying to finish my own tasks. I’m connected with everyone, but at the same time, no one. I can’t afford to get too deep.

While I try to influence the collective, I bust out with some spontaneous work and try to detect divergent patterns in the collective’s work processes. I mock-up some simulated “sketch-ups” and move on.

In the end, I retire to “my place,” which is really anywhere that I am, or maybe a virtual control center (and home theater) in my basement.

Sounds like something from The Matrix, right? But how realistic is it?

The truth is that today, we are tethered by our Blackberries, iPhones, and iPads. We accept LinkedIn requests from people we can’t remember. Job descriptions are less about what we actually do and more about our place in the organization. We have to jump from task to task because there are fewer of us than there used to be.

I think it’s just the movies that have made us think we need slick black outfits and some kind of darkened control room. During this recession, if you haven’t figured out how to remain “hyperconnected” and ready for “non-routine” assignments, you’re probably not paying attention.

So while I understand their point — that we’ll see more of this in the future — I’d say we’re already there. And I don’t think the slick black outfits and trench coats will make it past HR scrutiny, even in the future.

I do, however, like my dark, basement home theater … eh, I mean, home office.