Super Prediction. The world of work feels likes a retro-futuristic multiverse

My colleague Elizabeth Marsh shared an article from The Guardian titled The great divide: are office workers more productive than those at home? After reading it, I was struck by the idea that we are living a retro-futuristic work experience. Increasingly, companies are pushing for Victorian-era command and control tactics through co-location mandates, while simultaneously unleashing the power of generative AI to empower the workforce.

And, then it came to me. This year’s film reference for the super prediction had to be The Golden Compass. Although not the most successful film, its steampunk genre symbolizes this generation of the world of work perfectly.

It suggests that, just as the film’s alethiometer provides truthful answers, workplaces will rely on data-driven decision-making with advanced analytics and AI serving as 'truth-telling' tools. Employees will have personalized AI assistants, akin to the daemons in the film, enhancing productivity and providing tailored support.

The film’s parallel universes can be likened to the diverse work environments of 2025, when remote, office-based and hybrid work models will coexist, fostering collaboration across boundaries. The flow of information and innovation within organizations is comparable to dust in the film, and will drive creativity, learning and continuous improvement. Finally, the workplace will emphasize continuous learning and adaptation, much as the journey of the film’s main character, Lyra, symbolizes exploration and growth.

The key takeaway is that, by drawing inspiration from the film's multiverse concept, workplaces and workforces in 2025 can foster a culture of innovation, adaptability and creative problem-solving, better equipping them to navigate the complexities of the future business landscape.