ReCoCo (Macro)

Back in 2018 I wrote these four speculative narratives that described future scenarios for the state of remote work in 2045.

This is the macro-scenario 3 of 4

The macro-environment

This is a world wherein work is predominantly designed as a way to address social issues. A feeling of oneness and collaboration prevails as technology becomes more threatening to human employment. We see the workplace being organized and maintained as a community, with coworking and coliving spaces all around. Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing networks have replaced traditional professional development programs. 

The biggest news of the decade has to have been the discovery and subsequent confirmation of life on Saturn’s moon, Titan. This discovery has provided humankind with a newfound feeling of oneness and coexistence. If life has been found within our own solar system, surely it is sprinkled everywhere in the universe. The discovery of life on another planetary body combined with the advanced perceived threats of artificial intelligence and automation have forced many to reconsider humanity’s abilities and future goals. In addition, a few years prior in 2043, the world’s first trillionaire was made. Increasingly extreme wealth is concentrated in the hands of few, leaving the majority of the world further questioning their role on Earth, and their desired relations with one another.

KEY TRENDS INFORMING  THIS SCENARIO 

• knowledge economy

• sharing economy

• open source

• co-living arrangements

• transformation economy

Even though it is technology that has permitted the discovery of life on Titan, there remains much discussion as to whether technology should be viewed as a friend or as a destructor. The use of artificial intelligence is restricted, especially the use of emotional artificial intelligence as there is fear that should this field become more developed, we risk eliminating all possible employment for humankind. Already automaton have replaced the majority of blue collar jobs and artificial intelligence automatons are threatening the jobs of white collar workers. Should artificial intelligence further threaten the creative industries, or infiltrate the role of politics, some worry that all will be lost. In general, individuals are opposed to surveillance as it is known that such data is fed into machine learning algorithms to improve artificial intelligence programs. 

Since a smart dust scandal a decade prior, surveillance networks have become more localized, and regulations pertaining to the storage of surveillance data have been made stricter. Surveillance networks are not well received in the workplace as individuals fear for the repercussions that could happen should their data fall into the wrong hands. Additionally, data can always lie, especially with hackers modifying logbooks and timesheets. Individuals simply do not trust any digital record, or digital mind. In this view of the future, face-to-face communication is prefered over digital communication. Of course, face-to-face communications can be facilitated by technology (such as video conferencing) but simple voice notes and text messages have largely fallen out of favour. 

In an effort to get citizens using more digital technologies at work and in their personal lives, many businesses offer free or very low-priced technology such as a personal computer or a wearable glove upon purchasing unrelated goods and services, such as groceries. 

In terms of economic currency, cryptocurrencies are favoured since the heat their mining centers put out can be used to warm greenhouses. Due to their blockchain nature, cryptocurrencies are more trusted than their paper equivalents, although many still worry about the volatility of the currency. Even though technology is not trusted, compromises are sometimes made to facilitate economic growth. 

In this world, many individuals are motivated by their health and wellness. Perhaps due to increased pollution and climate change, a global recognition that began in the mid 2010s has evolved into a proper wellness movement that acknowledges that if humans are to survive the next few centuries, we must take care of ourselves, of our planet, and of one another. In fact, now it is quite normal to find wellness ratings for buildings, environments, meals, and products. Workplaces aim to have a 7 star rating or higher, whereas shopping expo centers aim for 6 or higher. Home builders have a strict 8.5 star wellness rating requirement whereas meals typically do not come below 5 stars. 

In a bid to further differentiate themselves from artificial intelligence, the general public is actively pursuing up-skilling and self-education platforms. These platforms appear online as videos, yet many are conducted in person, in a peer-to-peer model. 

Coworking spaces have largely evolved to offer live-work communities. These apartment complexes are essentially student dormitories for the working professionals. With locations around the world, members of these live-work communities can easily relocate from city-to-city and know that a warm and friendly community awaits them. Some of these larger co-lab companies as they’re called even have coworking exchange programs whereby two community members can be paired from across the globe, with either of them acting as a host for a short amount of time. This peer-to-peer network encourages collaboration and the cross-pollination of industries. 

Even companies have adopted the concept of coworking, with multiple businesses sharing a single office. This allows them to create their own little innovation networks and benefit from each others networks and knowledge. 

Alternative coworking networks have also sprung-up. Utilizing an online network, home-based coworkers can post their living-room or other living environment as a temporary coworking space for others to join in on. Individuals have no issues inviting complete strangers into their homes as the network is peer-reviewed with user-certified ratings for each individual. As of yet, no serious crimes have been reported from this service. Minor ideological arguments have led to a few cases of property damages, but overall it is just as safe as going to work from a mainstream coworking location. 

Globally, the standard work week has been reduced to four days. Some choose to have a normal weekend and take Wednesday off to break up the work week, while most choose the option of have four on, three off as they say. This extra time off is spent with family and friends, and allows individuals to pursue their own hobbies and interests, with the goal of living more fulfilled and purposeful lives. 

Another distinct aspect of this world is the level of individuality and personalization represented in the consumer goods market and the furnishings industry. By using rapid fabrication techniques, furniture can be customized to each body’s ergonomic needs. Many of the top furniture designs are open-source models that can be downloaded and modified to each person’s liking.