Forbes’ 2016 Workplace Predictions

Dan Schawbel, writing for Forbes, has published his 10 Workplace Trends fr 2016.

Overall, it’s a great list that will give you a lot to think about. As usual with these lists, some of the predictions are themselves predictable  (#2, 3.6 million baby boomers retire) or trendy (#9, Gig economy takes off).  Some are scary (#6, 35% health insurance rate hikes? and#7, more employees loose jobs to automation).

“PaperPhone Flexible Smartphone” by Superdiddly

There is one though, that may be a year or ten ahead of its time, but really sparks the imagination: #4, Wearable technology has an impact in the workplace. Dan refers specifically to wristwatch-like devices such as Fitbit and Apple Watch and and their use as fitness and productivity trackers. Perhaps it’s a failure of imagination on my part, but I think the real workplace impact will take place when the devices are able to display more information and have more efficient user interfaces. A number of companies  are working on bendable display technologies. How long before we are wearing our smartphones on our sleeves? Now that will be cool.