Xing presents the most important trends: This is what the world of work will look like in 2040

The Xing Future Work Report, compiled by the jobs network Xing in collaboration with Trendbüro München, answers this question. The report takes a look ahead and asks four key questions: What, how, where and with whom will we work in the future? Xing and Trendbüro München have identified the 13 most important trends that will shape the working world of tomorrow: more flexible, more inclusive and, above all, deeply human - despite or precisely because of technological progress.

The report combines well-founded forecasts with a practical look at reality. A survey of Xing members provides additional valuable insights from the perspective of employees and HR managers, and specific best practices give an insight into which companies are already implementing the trends of the future.

Dr. Julian Stahl, Xing labour market expert and co-editor of the Xing Future Work Report, is convinced that it is crucial to actively address these future topics today and to critically question existing assumptions: "The Xing Future Work Report is more than just a forecast for the future - it is a call to action. We want to initiate a dialog for employees, decision-makers and companies, open up spaces for thought and encourage concrete initiatives. Because the future of work starts now, and it belongs to all those who actively shape it," says Dr. Stahl.

From AI as a co-worker to a shift in meaning: these are the 13 trends for the future of work

The world of work is facing far-reaching changes. Driven by demographic change, technological progress and ecological requirements, we can expect upheavals in jobs and the skills required in the future.

Sabine Rogg, Director Trends & Strategy at Trendbüro München and co-editor of the Xing Future Work Report, says: "Technological innovations are meeting a profound change in values and new forms of collaboration - our work culture is in fast-forward mode. That's why we deliberately put people at the center of the Xing Future Work Report instead of simply repeating the discourse on artificial intelligence. Because the real question is: How do we actively shape this change - and for our own good?"

The 13 trends at a glance

Chapter 1: Where will we work in the future?

Trend #1 Automation shift: Instead of disappearing or being completely replaced by AI, jobs are shifting. Upskilling is becoming essential - especially in low-wage sectors. New professions such as gamification rehabilitators that motivate us to work are emerging.

Trend #2 Technical know-how: Companies lack expertise when it comes to AI. Smart managers set guidelines at an early stage and give employees security when implementing AI. Chief AI officers guide these processes.

Trend #3 Transitional Skills: Managers no longer manage, they accompany. As coaches, they promote the resilience of their teams and empathically drive positive change. Cultural evolution leads maintain the balance between innovation, culture and daily productivity.

Chapter 2: Who will we work with in the future?

Trend #4 Beyond Diversity: Inclusion is recognized as a competitive advantage and the differences in the way neurodivergent people think and work as an opportunity. Best practice example: The bank JPMorgan Chase is already reaping the rewards of its work with its "Autism at Work" project.

Trend #5 Net-Work-Force: Job sharing, freelancing, working on a project basis or the exchange between generations make it possible to quickly find highly qualified partners for jobs that need to be done.

Trend #6 AI as a co-worker: AI is a permanent team member in 2040. It takes over the classic 9-to-5 office job with repetitive tasks. Resources that are freed up will in turn be used to train people - or tools. AI scouts help to keep an eye on risks and developments.

Chapter 3: Where will we work in the future?

Trend #7 Conscious hybridity: Companies use the factors of flexibility, time sovereignty and the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle as employee retention tools.

Trend #8 Form Follows Flow: Adaptations to light, wall color, plants or materials make us more productive and happier. Thanks to neurological interior design, workspaces can be individually adapted to suit the task at hand.

Trend #9 The More-Than-Office: In 2040, the experience-oriented generations no longer want to go back to the conventional office. They will have an attractive Plug & Work including fitness studios, concierge services and exclusive events.

Trend #10 Dislocated Recruiting: International specialists bring specialized knowledge to the company. Optimized AI application processes make it easier for the recruiting department to get to know people from all over the world.

Chapter 4: How will we work in the future?

Trend #11 Holistic Human Relations: Onboarding has become more complex in view of the increasing number of career changers. AI-supported learning platforms help them and the workforce with tailored training opportunities along the career ladder.

Trend #12 Sense shift: Meaningful work is no longer one of the most important factors when looking for a new job. The relevance of purpose is declining. Managers are now relying on a new mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Trend #13 Fluids Polywork: New forms of collaboration also require new employment relationships and remuneration models. Companies are developing performance-based remuneration, on-demand salaries and new modular systems to meet the needs of their employees in 2040.

"We have to be prepared for the fact that the changing world of work will demand a great deal of adaptability from employees and companies. The era of completed transformations is giving way to constant evolution. This realization is supported by the results of the survey: Almost one in four Xing members believes that their own job will no longer exist in its current form in 15 years' time. This makes it all the more crucial not only to question established processes, but to consciously unlearn them in order to create space for something new," summarizes Dr. Julian Stahl.

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