A sea change is occurring—a change so monumental that it is making us re-invent the traditional ideas of where work is done, when work is done, why work is done, and even what work itself is.
We have a choice. We can either be reactive and struggle to adjust to transformational events on the fly, or we can be proactive and control the narrative—reinventing work to align with the evolving environment. Futurist Rishad Tobaccowala has had a highly successful career because he has anticipated and capitalized on emerging trends. In Rethinking Work, Rishad outlines the reasons why being proactive in this era of unprecedented change is the only way organizations will survive and thrive. Schools, banks, law firms, startups, medical offices—every sector will be affected by the current or soon-to-be-emerging trends and events that Rishad describes in this invaluable guide.
Learn to thrive in a world where the who, what, why, where, when and how of work will be
Who will people work for? A growing number of people are choosing to work for themselves while others are opting for greater control over who they work for. This will lead to more options both for employees and employers on how to structure their work.What will organizations look like? Like nothing in the past. We will no longer have a single organizational model or design but instead have a wide range of operating styles, structures and sizes.Why will people work? Two-thirds of workers under 30 are combining different gigs to not only satisfy their financial needs but to their own personal satisfaction and sense of purposeWhere will people work? In the metaverse. At home. In morphing offices that bear little resemblance to traditional workspaces. With team members in other countries and customers on other continents.When will people work? Whenever. The 9-5 workday is already passing as efficiency lessens in importance to innovation, disruption, and agility.How will leadership change? We are evolving to a new type of leadership from management focused to growth, agility and learning focused.
Rishad Tobaccowala's 'Rethinking Work' provides a timely and compelling examination of the seismic changes transforming the contemporary workplace. With clarity and brevity, The author dissects the most important forces driving these changes, such as technological change, shifting generational values, the emergence of remote work, and the growing need for purposeful careers.
While more typically presenting just trends, this book encourages people to rethink not only how we work, but why. The author urges companies to break free of outdated hierarchical frameworks and shift to more nimble, innovative, and human-led models.
The author points to flexibility, ongoing education, and complying with the changing expectations of multigenerational employees. Although some readers may want more comprehensive case studies, the book's strength is in its wide angle and practical recommendations. It is a useful handbook for leaders and individuals alike, challenging them to actively adopt change and navigate the changing world of work with an open mind.
'Rethinking Work' is a must-read for everyone who wants to make sense and succeed in the future of work. So grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did. I was engaged throughout the book without getting bored at all.
Rishad Tobaccowala’s “Rethinking Work” offers a timely and insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of work, particularly in the wake of the seismic shifts brought about by the pandemic. Rather than simply rehashing familiar arguments about remote work or the “future of work,” Tobaccowala delves deeper, examining the fundamental nature of work itself and how our relationship with it has been transformed. He argues that we’re moving beyond a transactional view of work – where we trade time for money – towards a more purpose-driven and human-centric approach. The book emphasizes the importance of meaning, connection, and flexibility, not just as perks, but as essential components of a fulfilling work experience. Tobaccowala draws on a wide range of examples and research to illustrate his points, making the book both thought-provoking and practical.
One of the key themes is the nuanced discussion of remote work. Tobaccowala doesn’t fall into the trap of simply advocating for or against it. Instead, he acknowledges the benefits of flexibility and autonomy that remote work can offer, while also highlighting the potential downsides, such as isolation, difficulty in building strong team connections, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. He emphasizes that successful remote work requires careful consideration of individual needs, team dynamics, and organizational culture. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and companies need to be intentional about creating systems and practices that support both productivity and well-being in a distributed work environment. He also stresses the importance of leaders adapting their management styles to effectively lead remote teams, focusing on communication, trust, and empathy.
Beyond remote work, readers will explore other critical aspects of the modern workplace, including the role of technology, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion. Tobaccowala argues that technology should be seen as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them, and that lifelong learning is essential for navigating the rapidly changing job market. He also emphasizes the moral imperative for businesses to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Overall, “Rethinking Work” is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the future of work. It’s a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers practical insights for individuals, teams, and organizations looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace. While some of the ideas presented may not be entirely new, Tobaccowala’s ability to synthesize them into a coherent and compelling narrative makes this book a worthwhile read for anyone interested in creating a more fulfilling and productive work experience. It’s a particularly relevant read for leaders grappling with the complexities of managing hybrid and remote teams in a post-pandemic world.
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: "A sea change is occurring-a change so monumental that it is making us reinvent the traditional ideas of where work is done, when work is done, vi work is done, and even what work itself is."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬? Having recently stepped into the corporate world, I was eager to understand the shifting dynamics of modern work culture. While exploring books that decode such transitions, I came across this one, which had been receiving a lot of praise — so I decided to give it a try.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The cover has a quirky yet refined vibe, with an eye-catching colour palette. The title itself is clever and invites curiosity. Neatly designed fonts and a clean layout add to the book’s overall appeal.
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The narration is crisp, professional, and to the point. The lucid language ensures clarity while maintaining an informative tone.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧: ✓ Right from the beginning, the book tackles the generational shifts redefining corporate life today — a subject that’s often overlooked but extremely relevant. I really admire the author’s initiative in bringing these issues to the forefront. ✓ One aspect that stood out was the exploration of emerging marketplaces. For instance, quick commerce didn’t even exist a decade ago, but today it's revolutionising sectors like FMCG and electronics. ✓ The use of real-world examples—like Shopify when discussing empowered marketplaces, or mentions of companies like Airbnb and Amazon—adds great value to the learning experience. ✓ I also appreciated how the author unpacks the concept of multipolar globalisation, especially in the context of evolving global business alliances and economic restructuring. It’s a crucial angle often missed in similar reads. ✓ “The Rise and Fall of Giants” was one chapter that especially captivated me, offering deep insights into the lifecycle of major corporations. ✓ Another standout section was “Downsizing and Reimagining Office,” which delves into the psychological and technological shifts reshaping physical workspaces. ✓ Overall, I believe this book is a must-read for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs. And even for those simply curious about how work is transforming — this one is worth picking up.
The last book I read was "Rethinking Work" by Rishad Tobaccowala, and I can't stop thinking about it. No one with any foresight should ignore risks and opportunities posed by the new age of AI.
He is such a good author, and he simplifies the most intricate ideas. He believes that the upcoming epoch of the metamorphosis in work focus on when, where, and why is about to hit us. We are still trying to go with the latest fads or technologies, but the real task at hand is trying to cope with fundamental philosophical dilemmas around the definition of work.
The examples were mind-blowing and eye-opening, as well as the changes being described about work. Were you aware that nearly two-thirds of workers under 30 do some type of combining or side hustles for both monetary and self-fulfilling reasons? Not to mention, the old cliché of the 9-to-5 workday is a relic of the past.
He ascertains the consequences of these changes for corporations, leaders, and people. He illustrates the ability of organizations to succeed in a domain where the who, what, why, where, when, and how of work is shifting. Everything from the emergence of the metaverse to the salience of agility and learning is dealt with by the author.
What impressed me the most is the approach of the author towards the subject. This is not looking toward the future, rather an envisioned reality. The author has shown how to frame the future in context by inspiring us to approach work in a new, experimental, and innovative manner.
“Rethinking Work” is, without a doubt, path-forming. The author of this book will force you to reevaluate the traditional notions associated with employment while motivating you to undertake steps that challenge the status quo. It’s a must-read if you are looking for a book that is full of ideas and insights.
In "Rethinking Work," author Rishad Tobaccowala, a renowned futurist, presents a compelling and comprehensive analysis of the seismic shifts transforming the very nature of work. This book serves as a compass, guiding readers through an era marked by rapid transformation and uncertainty. Rishad Tobaccowala identifies five interlocking forces—generational shifts, technology, marketplaces, new ways of working, and the lingering impact of COVID—that are redefining how we approach work.
Divided into three sections, the book first establishes why rethinking work is essential, then explores how this transformation will manifest across various aspects of employment, and finally provides actionable strategies for organizations to adapt proactively. This logical structure ensures readability and helps readers grasp complex concepts smoothly.
Tobaccowala's credibility strengthens his arguments, though he could integrate more specific examples or case studies to bolster his points. The book is particularly beneficial for managers👨💼, HR professionals👨⚖️, and entrepreneurs👩💼 seeking to navigate a rapidly evolving work landscape, offering both broad perspectives and practical guidance.
Overall, "Rethinking Work" is an invaluable guide for leaders and organizations navigating a future where the nature of work will be markedly different from anything previously imagined. Rishad Tobaccowala's forward-thinking insights empower readers to reshape their understanding of work, aligning it with a rapidly evolving global landscape🌏💖
Being a millennial, we have been conditioned in such a way that our only way of working was 9 to 5 grind. No one has ever thought about changing. Until new generations have stepped in, followed by COVID, that changed our way of working, style, and thinking.
Traditionally, work was restricted to office hours, and our managers were our bosses, but now this has been changed to work from home, hybrid, flexible working hours, and introduced leadership.
Rethinking work is one of such books that talks about the abovementioned things with deeper insights, backed by some studies and data.
In recent times, our working style has changed a lot, from new streams being introduced to consider freelance/ content creator a respected and full-time career. We have also seen a shift in the mindset of our older generations, the way they see these things.
The company structures also welcome these changes from work from office to hybrid/ wfh to flexible working hours. On the other hand, 4 4-day work week is also a consideration these days.
This book is written with short chapters and provides insights.
The book also focuses on whether we have hired employees from all age groups, then it's beneficial for every organization. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will also recommend reading it.
I generally don't write about books written by personal friends, but I'll make an exception here because many people, especially younger ones with long careers ahead of them, can benefit from reading this book. We are at a point in time when the nature of work is changing rapidly. Unlike the author, I do not feel it is predictable with any degree of confidence, but that it will change radically in the next ten to twenty years is unquestionable. This was not the case for people of earlier generations. One could pick a career path from their college days and more or less follow that till retirement. That is very unlikely to happen again. It is easier to deal with this uncertainty if one thinks seriously about the possibilities. This book can help you do that.
Rishad Tobaccowala’s Rethinking Work is a timely exploration of the seismic shifts occurring in the modern workplace. The book challenges traditional notions of work—where, when, and why it happens—and offers a compelling argument for proactive adaptation rather than reactive struggle. As someone who quit during Covid and adapted to a work structure that suits my needs I find a lot of things relatable as mentioned by the author in adapting to changes.
The author argues that organizations must embrace change rather than resist it, by highlighting how technological advancements, evolving employee expectations, and global disruptions are reshaping the work landscape. The book provides insights into how businesses, schools, and even medical offices can navigate these transformations successfully.
🧋This book encapsulates the core argument of this book: that while technology enables new ways of working, it's the human element - 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭, 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 - that'll define a successful workplace.
🧋In this book 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊: 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄, 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐘, the author, renowned Business Strategist and Former 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 at 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞, offers a timely and thought provoking exploration of the evolving landscape of modern work. As organizations grapple with the aftershocks of the pandemic, generational shifts and technological acceleration, the author provides a human centric guide to understand and lead through transformation.
🧋The book is structured around the “𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐬” of work:
• 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 we work: from offices to remote and hybrid setups. • 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 we work: a move away from rigid hours to asynchronous productivity. • 𝐖𝐇𝐘 we work: a deeper search for meaning, purpose and autonomy in our careers.
🧋He critiques outdated leadership mindset and hierarchical structures, urging companies to shift from 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 to 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, and from profit centric to purpose led engagement. The sentiments of growing desire for workplaces to align with personal values and lifestyle among the young generation is utmost.
🧋This book is a 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩, 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 and 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 in today's workplace. Tobaccowala doesn't offer a rigid roadmap - he offers a lens. And through that lens, we're challenged to prioritize humanity over efficiency, empathy over algorithms, and flexibility over rigidity.
🧋Leaders, HR professionals, entrepreneurs and curious minds who want to shape - not just survive - the future of work.
Easy read. Simple style. Relevant points raised. Every point is common sensical. This also confirms my views on how work will pan out in the future. Go for it.