Shaping social services for the future of work amid digital disruption

Much has been said about technology changing the future of work for businesses but perhaps less has been said of the disruptive impact on non-profit organisations. The reality is that all organisations will need to rethink their approach to work in today's digital era.

For non-profits, this could well mean a future where counselling chatbots work alongside practitioners, where volunteers are the new contingent workforce, and where they are competing head-on with commercial business for digitally native talents.

At the Future of Work in Non-profits Conference, which was jointly organised by the Social Service Institute and Tote Board in May 2018, it was clear that there is a growing awareness among leaders in the social service sector on the impact of digital and the need to address the digital future head-on. Yet, it was also acknowledged that technology, while serving as an enabler, does not in itself make an organisation digital. According to the EY Global Leadership Forecast 2018, what really matters is for organisations to be guided by a strong purpose, which will help in driving an agile and engaged workforce that will favourably position the organisation for success in the digital future.