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Engagement

Instructor: Jaime Neely
Future of Business
Download the Future of Business Trend Report
In this module, we take a look at the ever-increasing connection between innovation and employee engagement. Research from Trend Hunter's Innovation Assessment and additional global studies point to incredibly low employee engagement levels. For decades, employers have viewed their relationships with their employees as simply transactional, but today's younger workforce has different expectations. Modern employees expect more open communication, more autonomy and more opportunity to make an impact within their organization.

This module explores how you can increase innovation and engagement by focusing on transparent communication and giving employees the opportunity to make a significant impact within their role. The modern employee needs to feel connected to what they're doing to truly be engaged.
Related Trend Report: Future of Business
Workshop Questions:
1. How can you make your work culture more entrepreneurial?
2. What digital tools could help fill the gaps between your peers, direct reports & managers?
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Featured Insights

Employee Check-In
Digital touch-points increase productivity and boost morale
Implications - As increased touch-points with employees can prevent disquietude and lead to improved performance and motivation, busy employers look for streamlined tools that can help them gage the temperature of their team without taking up too much time. Through digital check-ins, bosses can keep tabs on how employees are feeling and performing, and are able to adjust accordingly, without employees feeling micromanaged.
Workshop Question - In regards to office culture, how does your team remain motivated? Is there a new system you could implement to gamify day-to-day productivity?
2.5
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Retail Moodboard
New apps let users create fashion moodboards, share looks, and shop together
Trend - New retail apps combine moodboard creation with social feeds, shared collections, shoppable tags and streamlined checkout so users discover styles, collaborate on looks, and buy directly from boards. These apps provide tailored recommendations based on each user's preferences.
Workshop Question - How can we incorporate collaborative, visual discovery elements to enhance user engagement and streamline the purchasing process?
8.7
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AI Goal
AI companies are creating trackers to help users achieve day-to-day goals
Trend - AI-powered apps designed to help users achieve their day-to-day goals work via auto‑generate daily micro‑tasks, forecast progress and contextual nudges across calendars and apps. Additional features include natural‑language setup, adaptive scheduling, progress forecasting and integrations.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to develop features that enhance user empowerment and goal achievement while ensuring transparency and privacy?
5.4
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Integrated AI
Workplaces are embracing non-exploitative, seamless AI services
Trend - Organizations deploy AI tools embedded within existing software, using contextual suggestions, low-code integrations, and privacy-first designs. These platforms aid tasks like scheduling, document drafting, and analytics without introducing new interfaces or replacing roles.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate AI into our existing processes in a way that builds trust, respects autonomy, and enhances efficiency without replacing current roles?
5
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AI Microtasking
In the spirit of automating what you hate, AI services assist in small admin tasks
Trend - Though some tech enthusiasts believe AI should be used in every facet of life, some believe it's smarter to "automate what you hate." This means using AI to reduce time spent on mundane tasks. Services that focus on AI used in hyper-specific, repetitive workplace tasks lend credit to this approach.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to automate mundane tasks specific to our industry, enhancing efficiency and freeing up creative resources?
4.6
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Screen Management
Brands are releasing screen time management tools for mental and physical health
Trend - Brands are rolling out screen time management apps that combine real-time usage tracking, customizable app and website limits, timed focus sessions, and gentle behavioral prompts. The intent is to help users curb digital distractions and reclaim productivity and balance.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure its consumers interact with products or services in a healthy and secure manner?
5.4
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Positivity Platform
Social platforms with a positive focus rebel against the negative internet
Trend - New online platforms, whether private or social-focused, are launching with a focus on positivity and compliments. Some such platforms are powered by AI, while some are community-driven. However, each are designed to offer positive breaks from the negative nature of popular content platforms.
Workshop Question - How might we create a positive and uplifting experience for our audience to counteract the negativity often found in digital environments?
4
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Earned Wage
New fintech tools allows employees access their already-earned wages before payday
Trend - Financial technology companies are disrupting traditional payroll systems by offering earned wage access services, allowing employees to access their accrued wages before scheduled payday. This innovation is increasingly being offered as an employee benefit by organizations seeking to provide greater financial flexibility to their workforce.
Workshop Question - How might your organization leverage financial technology to provide more flexible payment solutions?
4
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ADHD Planner
Specialized planning tools emerge to support individuals with ADHD manage daily tasks
Trend - The rising awareness and diagnosis of ADHD has led to increased demand for specialized organizational tools. These planners incorporate features specifically designed for neurodivergent thinking patterns, including unique time management systems, visual cues, and simplified task tracking methods.
Workshop Question - How can we create tools that cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals in everyday tasks?
3.7
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AI Mundane
Millennials are turning to AI tools that automate simple day-to-day tasks
Trend - Tech startups are creating AI-powered apps and companion devices that serve to complete more downsized, simple tasks. These tools do not generate complex creative work or serve as replacements for professional tasks, and instead are used to make regular day-to-day life more efficient.
Workshop Question - How could your brand leverage artificial intelligence tools to save time in more repetitive and mundane areas in the workplace?
4.3
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AI Leadership
Artificial intelligence enhances manager support through emotional intelligence
Trend - Leadership teams are now utilizing automated tools to connect with employees and gain deeper insights into their emotional states. These AI systems enhance employee satisfaction by conducting surveys and providing targeted coaching, offering support that aligns with individual feelings and needs.
Workshop Question - How can your business utilize automated tools to enhance its company culture?
4.4
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