The new world of work
The evolution of the UK workforce and what it means to business.

Britain has always been at the forefront of economic change. First, it was the agricultural revolution, then the industrial boom of the 19th century. Now the world is changing radically again, and it is critical that the UK's businesses, public institutions and people meet that change creatively.
The change we're facing today is multi-faceted. A revolution in technology and the application of both IT and communications networks has shifted our preconceptions about the location, purpose and value of our work. Demographic shifts are creating an aging population. A growing skills shortage is putting pressure on the education system and businesses to create knowledge workers with cutting - edge expertise; and also to ensure that people who were previously marginalised in economic terms are brought back into the workplace. Social change particularly among the young is forcing us to challenge assumptions about "career" and "the work ethic". And, above all, global interconnectedness is creating a new "supermarket" for goods and services.
The New World of Work is a Microsoft framework for understanding how all these forces will impact on organisations it is designed to help us understand them better and channel them into improvements both in the workplace and for society.
In the UK, Microsoft is committed to addressing the needs of businesses of all sizes: supporting those companies and organisations in using technology to generate value and competitive advantage; showing how they exhibit innovation and entrepreneurialism; and driving their businesses forward through strong leadership and helping their employees work in a happy and productive environment.
Today's workplace is all about the network not just in a technology sense (although that is crucial, too), but in the context of people and organisations. The technology gives us the power to connect with each other wherever we are, whatever we're doing, at any time of the day or night. It has fundamentally changed our ability to access and use information. But without considering the effects of this change holistically and analysing how they interact with society we are likely to get the management of change fundamentally wrong.
That's why the New World of Work is a crucially important concept for us all.
Click the link below to read the full white paper.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
ITPro is a global business technology website providing the latest news, analysis, and business insight for IT decision-makers. Whether it's cyber security, cloud computing, IT infrastructure, or business strategy, we aim to equip leaders with the data they need to make informed IT investments.
For regular updates delivered to your inbox and social feeds, be sure to sign up to our daily newsletter and follow on us LinkedIn and Twitter.
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?
AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiatives
News Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
By Daniel Todd Published
-
Put AI to work for talent management
Whitepaper Change the way we define jobs and the skills required to support business and employee needs
By ITPro Published
-
More than a number: Your risk score explained
Whitepaper Understanding risk score calculations
By ITPro Published
-
Four data challenges holding back your video business
whitepaper Data-driven insights are key to making strategic business decisions that chart a winning route
By ITPro Published
-
Creating a proactive, risk-aware defence in today's dynamic risk environment
Whitepaper Agile risk management starts with a common language
By ITPro Published
-
How to choose an HR system
Whitepaper What IT leaders need to know
By ITPro Published
-
Sustainability and TCO: Building a more power-efficient business
Whitepaper Sustainable thinking is good for the planet and society, and your brand
By ITPro Published
-
What is small data and why is it important?
In-depth Amid a deepening ocean of corporate information and business intelligence, it’s important to keep things manageable with small data
By Steve Cassidy Published
-
Microsoft's stellar cloud performance bolsters growth amid revenue slump
News The tech giant partly blames unstable exchange rates and increased energy costs for the slowdown
By Rory Bathgate Published