In this episode of our podcast Greiner Talks, researcher and head of the “Future of Work Lab” at KU Leuven Nicky Dries shares a compelling vision: “The future hasn’t happened yet, it’s not set in stone – it’s whatever we make it.” Her message is clear: the future of work is not predetermined, but shaped by our collective choices.
A glimpse into the future
In the ”Future of Work Lab”, Nicky Dries studies what the perfect future of work could look like. But what will work really look like in many years from now? Of course, nobody can tell us which predictions are right – because it hasn’t happened yet. But we can take courses of action in the present that will move us closer to one scenario or the other.
Nicky Dries emphasizes that wok will definitely change in the future and will – for example – be deeply data-driven. Something that has already changed is the definition of career success, which used to be measured by salary alone. Instead, purpose, impact, and work-life balance are now becoming the new benchmarks of a fulfilling career.
“The future hasn’t happened yet; it’s not set in stone – it’s whatever we make it.” - Nicky Dries, Professor at KU Leuven in Belgium
The power to shape the future of work
A critical point Nicky Dries raises is the underrepresentation of HR professionals in the public debate about the future of work. Despite their human-centric expertise, they are often left out of the conversation. Dries calls for their active involvement to ensure that the evolving workplace remains people-focused.
But do we really have the power to shape the future of work? Drawing inspiration from the rise of labor unions, she argues that collective action – even in today’s individualistic society – can drive meaningful transformation.
For leaders, the takeaway is urgent: technology must serve people, not the other way around. Vision, critical reflection, and a commitment to inclusion are essential. As birth rates decline globally,including those previously excluded from the labor market will become not just a value – but a necessity.
The future of work is being written now – by all of us. Listen to the full episode now!