Future of work: ChristchurchNZ

ChristchurchNZ’s latest Ōtautahi Economic Insights Breakfast focused on the Future of Work. With the word ‘future’ involved, it is no surprise that rangatahi were a major part of the conversation.

Rangatahi are our future employees and employers, ensuring that they are supported and equipped with the skills they need to fully engage with our workforce is fundamental to our region’s future success.

The future therefore, is now. A digitally-driven future means businesses need to adapt to new ways of thinking and doing and minority and diverse rangatahi should be involved in the design of the workplace culture. We must develop new mind-sets to drive future job satisfaction by ensuring roles hold value, inclusiveness and are purpose-led. Rangatahi are well aware of the world they are inheriting and will not be content to sit in their 9 to 5s – they want their mahi to be meaningful and they want their passions and values to align with it.

Growth mind-sets should be part of our everyday. Leaning on rangatahi to help shape the future is not confined to the workplace.  Being open-minded to the ideas of our future innovators, leaders, teachers and change makers, and considering things through novel eyes is kind of like a partnership with the next generation – beneficial teamwork to help form a positive future for all.

I look forward to next year and continuing to work to make it a bright one for Ōtautahi. Meri Kirihimete and wishing you a wonderful break with your friends, whānau and loved ones.