A new world of work
Image courtesy of The Dots
by Jade French
As we discovered in our September issue, CEO Pip Jamieson has always had a sense that the world of work would change. When she started The Dots in 2013, a professional network aimed at creatives, users could search for freelance roles, collaborative networks and upload portfolios. Search categories have since grown to include mentorships, community-led forums and a new beta testing platform.
In a recent webinar entitled Skills of the Future (aimed at those thinking about changing careers or learning new skills), The Dots helpfully unpacked the trends that will come to dominate the world of work post-pandemic — including digital upskilling, automation and the environment. There’s one change that seems unavoidable though; as Jamieson puts it: "There are so many companies who thought they could never work remotely… now they are realising that this is how they’re going to have to work for the future".
One major benefit is that "it makes roles more accessible to anyone, no matter where you live”. This might not be for everyone, she notes: you need to be driven, self-motivated and thrive from working from home. As the long-term future becomes more remote and automated it’s worth keeping in mind that Jamieson is passionate about the fact that "the whole of The Dots has been built around creativity". Perhaps creative skills will be the last component the robots take on?
But, back to the more recent past, since last March, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes to the ways we work that have long been coming — remote working, flexible hours and a focus on competence (which has the potential to level playing fields). It has also brought with it elements that were not so expected, with pivoted projects, delayed timetables and burnout also becoming a common feature of the remote workplace. This latter facet of remote work is something Jamieson is keen combat in the post-pandemic workplace by putting less focus on metrics and more focus on happiness. Keeping teams content means more than just smiles on faces, it can also translate as “boosted productivity, creativity, loyalty and minimise unhealthy churn”. As Jamieson puts it “For me personally, I’ve come to realise that a happy team is a productive and engaged team! CEOs are ignoring happiness at their peril”.
The happiness factor is going to be a huge element of staying motivated and means companies should be invested in “helping teammates not only reach their professional goals (pay, career progression etc.) but also their emotional goals such as finding purpose and meaning at work, being flexible to family/home commitments (now even more important than ever), minimising politics and making our workforce fully inclusive for diverse talent”.
There are positives and negatives to the new world of work but which companies are proving themselves best equipped to support their staff and conquer the year ahead? “Excitingly, the worlds of commercial and purpose are finally aligning” says Jamieson, “and we’re seeing a huge appetite from The Dots’ community for opportunities to work for businesses that have a social conscious”. To that end, The Dots has compiled a brilliant mix of new and established companies that are putting their staff, sustainability and social responsibilities first:
Behemoth vs bespoke
The Dots ‘Top 50 companies to work for in 2021’ offers insight into companies that have their sights set on the future. Where we see the likes of the BBC, Google, Nike and Sony making the list, it’s because these are established companies using their brand recognition to leverage diversity, sustainability and creativity.
Elsewhere, there is an uptick in bespoke creative and marketing agencies shining through, suggesting that independent spirit has been able to become more lithe and responsive during the pandemic. Animation and illustration company Jelly London launched an Isolation Inspiration series. We Are Social leaned into their ‘social thinking’ philosophy, while Wolff Olins has always championed their flexible space in London that is more workshop than shop window.
New media
The Dots has also highlighted new media platforms spearheaded by a new generation of journalists and content creators. The likes of Freeda, GUAP and gal-dem make the top 50 list due to their innovative formats and dedication to elevating underrepresented voices. The media landscape is changing, and The Dots suggests you want to be on the ground floor.
Pandemic pivots
Some companies on the list are those that have placed the post-COVID landscape front and centre. There’s Airbnb, a company whose dependence on travel meant they had to pivot to promoting a local approach to adventure — and succeeded. The Dots notes that leaning into unique, online experiences also helped to support chefs, entertainers and makers with short-term access to making money. Then there’s Sharmadean Reid, the brains behind Beautystack (who are focused on finding digital solutions for the beauty industry) and her honest approach to the early days of lockdown.
Sustainability and giving back
Companies that give back also make the list — from Beam, which has used a crowdfunding approach to support the homeless, to Choose Love, which has raised millions in support of refugees. Health and well-being are also covered by Healx, which is on a mission to advance 100 rare disease treatments by 2025, and DAME, which offers a community-focused and sustainable solution to period products. Others are embracing more sustainability, with Burberry’s fabric recycling scheme. Depop — a platform we covered in an article last autumn — can be seen through this lens as a forum that encourages secondhand selling with a sustainable approach to tech and fashion.
It’s an exciting time for creativity and bravery — and we’re looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings for these star players.