The "Summit of the Future," organized by Jain University, brought together thought leaders and experts to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of work. Held at the Kinfra Convention Center in Kochi, the summit featured a dynamic panel discussion on "The Future of Work," where key industry professionals came together to discuss the changing nature of the workplace. The panel explored how emerging trends such as remote work, gig economies, and hybrid employment models are reshaping how organizations operate and how talent is engaged.

Key Panelists:

• Vivek George, AGM-World Trade Center (WTC)
• Dr. Subhadarshini, Assistant Professor, Rajagiri Business School
• Dr. Asharaf S, Founder Director, Kerala Blockchain Academy
• Karthik Kesav, Co-Founder, Pragmatix Learning Edutech

The session was moderated by Aravind Warrier, Lead - People Partner and Culture at Volvo Group.

Event Highlights:

1. Exploring the Future of Work: The panel discussion kicked off with an engaging exploration of how the workplace is undergoing a transformation driven by digital technologies, new employment models, and shifting employee expectations. Vivek George from WTC shared insights on how businesses are adapting to new trends and driving growth through flexible work arrangements.
2. Key Themes in the Future of Work:
   • Remote Work: The panel examined the continued rise of remote work and how companies are leveraging technology to maintain productivity, collaboration, and employee engagement despite geographical distances.
   • Gig Economies: Dr. Asharaf S. highlighted how the gig economy is reshaping career paths, offering new opportunities for freelancers and short-term workers across various industries.
   • Hybrid Employment Models: Dr. Subhadarshini shared research insights into how hybrid work models – combining in-office and remote work – are becoming increasingly prevalent and the implications for organizational culture and leadership.


3. Innovative Approaches to Workforce Management: Karthik Kesav provided an exciting look into how Edutech and continuous learning platforms are supporting businesses and individuals in adapting to new skills needed for the future of work. The integration of technology into learning and development strategies was identified as essential for employee growth in the evolving workplace.
4. Employee-Centric Approaches: Moderator Aravind Warrier sparked engaging conversations about the importance of building workplaces that prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance. The discussion underscored the critical role that human-centric leadership plays in fostering engagement and retention in a hybrid and remote work environment.

Takeaways:

• Workplace Flexibility is Here to Stay: The future of work will see continued hybrid models, providing employees with greater flexibility in balancing their professional and personal lives.
• Technology and Learning Will Shape Careers: Organizations will increasingly rely on Edutech and digital platforms to upskill and reskill their employees to meet new challenges.
• The Gig Economy is Redefining Job Structures: Freelancing and contract-based roles are gaining prominence, offering more dynamic career paths and flexible working opportunities.

The "Summit of the Future" successfully provided an insightful discussion on the future of work and the shifting paradigms of the modern workplace. As we transition into this new era, both organizations and employees must adapt to new strategies and embrace innovative approaches to thrive in the changing work landscape.