The 21st century has been a time of change. With technological advancements to lockdowns from a global pandemic, the world as we know it will never be the same. 

Unsurprisingly with these changes come shifts and fluctuations in the work environment. From altered team dynamics, to working from home, work leaders had to learn to adapt and cope. 

Work leaders of the past 

In the past, work leaders were categorically known for their authoritative style. They were often labeled as cold and callous, running the organization with an iron fist. 

The mindset emphasized for the work leaders of the past centered around drive, determination and leadership.  

However, this style didn’t seem to sit well in the 21st century. With the world going through immense change, companies in the modern era encountered a series of pushbacks. Upon close inspection, the reason behind these setbacks befell on the leader at work not listening to their employees close enough. 

The need for future work leaders

As of 2022, companies across the globe are trying to adapt to the post-pandemic era. With some employees still working from home while others approaching the physical era, it remains hard to mimic the office environment of a pre-covid work environment. 

Thus it falls on the shoulders of the work leaders to sustain and maintain the productivity of their employees both at office and remote. 

Many employees have had to face a plethora of struggles during the years of the pandemic. Ranging from pay cuts to personal losses, many faced emotional struggles during the past two years. Additionally, the rapid change from a physical work environment to working from home may have had a negative impact on the motivation and emotional well-being of many office workers. Therefore, it is up to the work leader to strategize the best methods to carry the company through these trying times. 

Work leaders of the future

Future work leaders, contrary to work leaders of the past, will be needed to place a greater emphasis on the understanding and communication between them and employees. 

Empathy is one of the most important facets in the modern era, employees now more than ever need to feel heard and understood. An understanding and caring leader would generate a positive impact on their employees, leading to increased work satisfaction and a greater overall productivity. 

Additionally, the future work leader needs to employ aspects of strategic management along with human resource management to encourage and sustain a healthy working environment. 

Au Chat Kwan – Role Model for Future Work Leaders

Au Chat Kwan is an experienced and successful HR manager. With years of experience under his belt, Au Chat Kwan aims to combine the best facets of human resource with leadership. Kwan embodies the future work leader in his ability to take on challenges head-on. 

Au Chat Kwan also places great emphasis on empathy in the work environment. He believes empathy is a top priority and aims to keep in mind even the littlest details. Kwan doing so helps create a positive and sustainable work environment for himself and his employees.