Chapter 1: Transforming Workplace Culture

The landscape of workplace culture is evolving significantly, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and well-being. Organizations that are forward-thinking are channeling resources into employee development, mental health initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts to create environments where individuals can thrive.

Recent disruptions, particularly those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and advances in automation, are fundamentally altering the nature of work. Many are left wondering what the future of employment will entail. According to a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, automation could potentially eliminate 73 million jobs by 2030.

To explore these pressing questions, we engaged with notable leaders from business, government, and labor, along with various thought leaders, to gather their insights on the future of work and workplace dynamics.

As part of this interview series, "Preparing For The Future Of Work," we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Nariman Farvardin, the seventh president of Stevens Institute of Technology. Since taking office in 2011, Dr. Farvardin has spearheaded a remarkable transformation at the university, resulting in significant growth in rankings, enrollment, and student success.

Dr. Farvardin's academic journey began in Tehran, Iran, before he earned his degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

Can you share a bit about your background and the experiences that have shaped you?

Growing up in Iran, my father instilled in me a drive for excellence across all life dimensions. His encouragement to aim high in academics, personal growth, and professional pursuits laid the foundation for my character. Throughout my life, I have adhered to six enduring principles that guide me. These include the relentless pursuit of excellence, adaptability to various roles, understanding the importance of location, empowering others, recognizing adversity as a stepping stone to success, and appreciating that closed doors often lead to better opportunities. Collectively, these principles have influenced my character, leadership style, and success at Stevens and beyond.

What major disruptions do you foresee for employers in the next 10–15 years, and how can they adapt?

We are on the cusp of significant technological upheavals. As we prepare for these changes, employers must equip their workforce for a rapidly evolving job landscape. Automation, AI, and shifting industry demands are reshaping job roles at an unprecedented rate. To navigate this new terrain, organizations should become gateways for education, offering upskilling and educational benefits to help employees adapt and grow in their careers. Furthermore, employers need to respond to changing worker expectations and economic conditions with agility and foresight.

The future of work is increasingly diverse, with gig work becoming more prominent, necessitating a reevaluation of hiring practices and employee benefits. Furthermore, the culture of the workplace is shifting, with younger generations prioritizing flexibility, work-life balance, and meaningful contributions. Employers can align with these values by fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives.

Collaboration between higher education institutions and employers is crucial to effectively preparing the future workforce. Curricula should adapt to emphasize both technical and soft skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, to meet evolving job market dynamics. Partnerships with employers can enhance real-world learning experiences and ensure students are equipped with relevant skills.

While the decision to pursue a college degree was once straightforward, it has become more complex in light of the successes of high-profile individuals without degrees and the burden of student debt faced by many graduates. What advice would you give to young adults contemplating this choice?

As the president of Stevens Institute of Technology, I deeply believe in the transformative potential of education. While college may not suit everyone, it presents invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development. Approaching higher education as a strategic investment is critical.

In today's fast-paced world, a college education lays a strong foundation in both specialized fields and essential life skills like problem-solving and communication. It opens doors to a network of peers and mentors that can influence your career in unexpected ways.

Education is a lifelong endeavor, and college serves as just the beginning. The ability to embrace continuous learning is a vital asset in an ever-changing landscape. My advice is clear: if you have defined goals and a commitment to lifelong growth, college can provide a powerful foundation to help you achieve your aspirations. Ultimately, the true measure of education lies in your capacity to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world.

Despite predictions of job scarcity, opportunities will still exist. How should job seekers adjust their strategies to find fulfilling employment?

Young adults and job seekers must navigate the changing employment landscape with flexibility and strategic thinking. The traditional routes to employment are being transformed by technology and evolving industry demands.

It's crucial to recognize that success in the job market extends beyond technical skills. Continuous learning is key to career advancement. In a rapidly evolving world, staying informed and developing new skills is essential. Online courses, industry certifications, and micro-credentials can serve as valuable resources. At Stevens, we embrace this principle through lifelong learning opportunities and relevant curricula, ensuring our graduates remain competitive.

Today's workplace values not only technical proficiency but also soft skills. Adaptability, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are highly prized in collaborative environments. Job seekers should explore opportunities in startups and emerging sectors, which often provide avenues for innovation and swift career advancement. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, launching your own venture can be transformative.

Consider your career as a dynamic journey rather than a fixed destination. Embrace change, technology, and lifelong learning.

The statistics surrounding AI and automation eliminating jobs can be alarming. How can individuals prepare their careers to mitigate the risks of being replaced by technology?

Technological advancements will undoubtedly impact employment landscapes. While some repetitive jobs may be phased out, this trend is not new. As certain roles diminish, new opportunities will arise, allowing individuals to flourish in this evolving environment and secure their place in a world where human ingenuity is invaluable.

Job seekers should welcome technology rather than resist it. Understanding AI and automation can enhance your skill set and increase your marketability. Focusing on developing uniquely human abilities that machines find challenging to replicate—such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability—is crucial. At Stevens, we are launching a new core undergraduate curriculum aimed at equipping students with these essential skills for success in the digital economy.

Being adaptable and open to exploring new roles or industries can provide a significant edge in today's job market. Stay informed about industry trends and remain willing to learn and seize new opportunities.

The shift to remote work accelerated by technological advancements and pandemic constraints is here to stay. How do you envision the future of remote work?

The transition to remote work has been transformative, altering our perceptions of work and its relationship with technology and physical environments. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a large-scale experiment in remote work, providing valuable insights into technology's capabilities and the workforce's adaptability.

I believe remote work will persist, albeit in a more nuanced and strategic manner. The future of remote work will not adopt a one-size-fits-all model, as we have learned that some roles and industries are better suited for remote arrangements than others. Effective hybrid models are emerging, blending in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

Moreover, the workplace will continue to evolve. Physical offices may transform into collaboration hubs, designed for specific activities like brainstorming or team-building sessions. The design and function of these spaces will adapt to meet the workforce's changing needs.

The overarching theme is adaptability. Organizations must remain agile and ready to adjust strategies as circumstances evolve. Investments in secure and efficient technology for remote work are vital, as is the commitment to fostering a strong company culture and connections among remote team members.

I envision the future workplace as a dynamic combination of physical and virtual spaces, and those who navigate this landscape strategically will be well-equipped for success.

What societal changes are necessary to support fundamental transformations in the workplace?

We need to rethink our approach to education. The traditional model, which clearly separates learning from working, is becoming outdated. To align with the changes in work, we should cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, viewing education as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Educational systems must become flexible, accessible, and responsive to the workforce's evolving needs.

A robust safety net is also essential. As work transforms, job security can become fragile. We must ensure individuals have the stability to explore new opportunities and adapt to shifting employment landscapes.

Additionally, as the concept of work itself evolves, we should embrace alternative work arrangements, such as freelancing, gig work, and entrepreneurship.

As we embrace technology, it's crucial to ensure that opportunities are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. Creating pathways for underserved communities to thrive in the new work environment is imperative. Stevens has several programs dedicated to this mission, and I take pride in their success.

Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship is vital for economic growth. We must provide support, from funding to mentorship, to help aspiring entrepreneurs address societal challenges, aligning with Stevens Institute of Technology's mission.

What changes will be most challenging for employers and employees to accept?

For employers, one of the most significant challenges will likely be adapting to the rapid pace of technological evolution. The sweeping changes brought about by automation, AI, and potentially quantum computing are reshaping industries. Embracing these changes may necessitate a cultural shift within organizations, transitioning from static job roles to more dynamic, technology-enhanced positions. Additionally, the accelerating pace of technological advancements will require more emphasis on employee upskilling. Without well-defined upskilling programs, employees may become obsolete, jeopardizing the company's competitive edge. The financial commitment for training and technology adoption can be substantial, posing a particular challenge for smaller businesses. Employers will also need to devise strategies to manage remote teams effectively.

On the other hand, employees may struggle with the gradual decline of traditional job security. The workforce is transitioning toward a more fluid job market, where individuals are responsible for continuous upskilling and actively seeking new opportunities. This shift can be daunting, particularly for those accustomed to more stable career paths. The digitally connected world is also blurring the lines between personal and professional lives, with expectations of constant availability potentially leading to burnout and work-related stress.

Despite these challenges, what gives you hope for the future of work?

My optimism about the future of work stems from the remarkable capacity for human creativity, adaptability, and innovation. History has shown us that challenges and disruptions often fuel creativity and the emergence of new opportunities. I witness this resilience and ingenuity within our Stevens community daily, which drives my optimism.

The digital age has granted us unprecedented connectivity and access to information, enabling global learning and collaboration. The democratization of knowledge through online courses and lifelong learning opportunities means that anyone, regardless of background or location, can gain new skills and pivot their careers.

While technological progress presents challenges, it also holds immense promise. Automation and AI can enhance human capabilities and alleviate repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on more creative and fulfilling work. Breakthroughs in fields such as healthcare, renewable energy, and space exploration can create entirely new industries and job opportunities.

Ultimately, my greatest source of hope lies in the passion and drive of the upcoming generation. Our students at Stevens are eager to tackle complex challenges, make a positive societal impact, and shape the future of work. They are not just job seekers; they are future creators and leaders. If we continue to nurture this spirit of innovation, I am confident that the future of work will be characterized by progress, opportunity, and positive change, paving the way for a better world.

Historically, major disruptions in employment often lead to temporary job losses, followed by the emergence of new roles. What can be done to shorten this gap?

Major disruptions, whether due to technological changes or economic shifts, often create a lag between job losses and the development of new opportunities. This gap can lead to significant economic and social challenges, resulting in unemployment and instability.

To address this gap, we need a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, innovation, and policy. Educational institutions, such as Stevens Institute of Technology, must equip students with relevant skills and knowledge that are adaptable for future job markets.

Innovation is equally vital. Collaboration among governments, academia, and industry is essential to foster environments conducive to innovation. This includes investing in research and development, supporting startups, and creating conditions for new industries to thrive. At Stevens, we prioritize research in emerging fields to contribute to technological advancements and job creation.

Policy-makers also play a crucial role by enacting measures that promote economic transitions and job creation. This can involve offering incentives for companies to invest in workforce development and sustainable industries.