Factors Affecting Todays Workplace

Welcome back, friends — we’re diving into Chapter 2 of my book Work It Real Good (yep, the one I wrote a whole decade ago). This is also Episode 2 in our new series where I dust off those ideas, give them a shake, and see how they hold up in today’s wild world of work. Spoiler: a lot has changed, and a lot hasn’t.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

• A whopping 87% of people are disengaged at work. Yikes. Leadership really is the make-or-break here.

• Tech is both our bestie and our frenemy. Applicant tracking systems can ghost your CV, video interviews are now normal, and AI is quietly moving in as your new co-worker.

• Online learning? Totally mainstream now. No excuses — skills are just a click away.

• Younger generations are chasing purpose over pay checks, and women are starting businesses in droves.

• And the big one: human connection wins. Robots may be clever, but they can’t lead with empathy, build trust, or crack a good dad joke in a team meeting.

This chapter is all about how economics, tech, and social shifts collide to create the workplace we’re living in right now. It’s a reminder that while the tools change, what people actually want from work — meaning, growth, connection — really hasn’t.

So grab your coffee, hit play on the video, and let’s go a little deeper together.
This has been Rachel Sparkes, your HR Bestie from Big Tech, exploring culture, creativity, and conscious leadership in the modern workplace.

Love Your Work!
Follow along for the next chapter 3 in the Work It Real Good series which is The Top 10 Career Mistakes.