Humanity Works: Merging Technologies and People for the Workforce of the Future

by Alexandra Levit

DISTINGUISHED Independent Press Award 2020 - Business General Category

The professional landscape is transforming, and the only way to maintain competitive advantage is to maximize the unique skills of your workforce. In Humanity Works, bestselling author, global workplace consultant and futurist Alexandra Levit provides a guide to making the most of the human traits of creativity, judgement, problem solving and interpersonal sensitivity. Revealing what the 'robot takeover' will really look like, how talent and machines can work side by side and how you can make organizational structures more agile and innovation focused, this book will prepare you to lead organizations of the future.

Humanity Works doesn't just explain the fascinating trends of the future of work; it condenses cutting-edge academic and business thinking to show what you can do about the future right now. Original, real-life case studies including Nestle, The Washington Post , Deloitte, and Pepsi combined with exercises and workplace tools will equip you for staying innovative and successful in the wake of major workplace disruption. Everything hinges on capturing the human edge in your organization.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Technology, Leadership

264 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2018

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone wanting to understand the impact technology will have on the workplace should read this book! Alexandra not only lays out the current state of technology but gives leaders and their teams practical Activity Plans to help prepare NOW for the changes coming. These are hugely beneficial in keeping your sustainable competitive advantage! So many companies are reactive to the change. Those that are proactive are the ones that get ahead more quickly AND more easily!

Moreover, this book reads like having a conversation with Alexandra. It is down-to-earth when explaining tech concepts that to some may be foreign. She also includes wonderful references that help provide insights that leaders make the case for investments in people, process and technology.

Finally, for anyone afraid that the robots are coming to take their jobs, Alexandra brings the future forward to show you that, in actuality, the future workplace will be one that is more full of opportunity than fear!

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The working world has never been static. As we adopt new technologies and reorganize social norms, the workplace changes faster than ever. By paying careful attention to current trends, it’s possible to envision how a successful company will operate in decades to come. With a bit of foresight and creative thinking, such as adopting more flexible career paths, hiring more international workers or finding ways to enhance human talents with digital power, any organization can take advantage of these changes and continue to thrive.
Actionable advice:
Don’t forget the power of the human touch.
Sure, a killer app or well-designed algorithm can make your workplace more efficient, but don’t ignore the people behind the programming. Make sure your use of technology complements and enhances the human talents you already have access to.”

[Alireza Hejazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a reflective and optimistic view of the workforce in 2030. It investigates various technological and social transition patterns and weaves them together to paint an image of what work will be like in a decade. It is a road map for the massive improvements leaders make to their workplaces and careers. It illuminates the requisite next steps for corporate leaders that are committed to choosing value and cooperation. The book paints a hopeful picture, with human imagination at the center and technologies used to inspire rather than replacing humans. People, according to the book, cannot be replaced by robots. The book’s target audience includes corporate executives, administrators, contractors, as well as technologists, and futurists.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read on how to adapt your workforce development to be more inclusive of generational preferences. Although not a new topic, it had a lot of good examples of how being tone-deaf to generational development needs can hurt your business image, processes, and strategy. I learned some good practices to be more inclusive and recommend this book.
*Part of work reading list. Probably would not have read on my own.

[William Schram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexandra Levit wrote the book Humanity Works to prepare leaders for the upcoming robot overlords. It provides soothing anecdotes for those in need.

The book wasn't for me. I am not a business leader, and I am not a CEO. I thought the book was okay, but it wasn't the best thing I ever read.

Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Felipe CZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The future of work; we must not forget about the human touch even if we are adding digital power to our organization. Having international workers and diversity can help companies improved themselves, while the digital transformation will change and replace many things

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read and insight into AI and how it lacks the creativity, empathy, and soft skills that a leader should have.... for now. I’m working on something interesting that conceptually will span this gap.

[Laurence · Rating 1 out of 5]

Humans continue to work even as jobs are swallowed by tech.
A few examples but that is really it.

[Shourov Hasonov Pre · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔲🔲🔲

[Laura Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks at the interesting concept of the robot takeover and how humans will work alongside robots as their are talents and traits which are inherently human and cannot be replicated by robots such as creative and initiative.