The Upwork 100: 3 Things You May Have Missed
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
When we released The Upwork 100, a list of the 100 most in-demand skills on Upwork in Q3 of 2019, we shared a few observations from our chief economist, Adam Ozimek, PhD. His highlights included the global demand for U.S.-based talent and the higher rates commanded by professionals whose skills are included on the list. What other insights that can be gleaned from such an extended list? Here are three other trends that Dr. Ozimek has talked about in recent interviews. 1. Skills can be relatively niche Some skills, such as business planning and interviewing, reflect broader business needs. But ..read more
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The Simple Way to Make Work Friends When You’re Remote
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
Work is increasingly being done away from the office, something that can have numerous benefits for companies and workers alike—but maybe not for your social life. Time spent in the office helps foster strong relationships, which in turn can leave us feeling happier, less stressed, and more recharged. In contrast, working alone could be fuelling a mental health crisis: a report on remote work by Buffer found that 49 percent of remote works said their biggest struggle was wellness-related. One in five said they feel lonely. How do you address that when your closest physical colleague is a cat ..read more
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How Remote Work Opens Doors for Accessibility and Equality
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
We often talk about remote work and self-employment as lifestyle choices—and for many people, they are. But for others, they can be an open door where there have otherwise been dead ends. Location is a barrier that often doesn’t need to exist According to Freelancing in America 2019, 46 percent of freelancers said freelancing gives them flexibility they need because they are unable to work for a traditional employer due to personal circumstances. Paul E., a graphic designer from Connecticut, is a Top Rated freelancer who found his tribe—and a new business—on Upwork. “It’s changed my outlook on ..read more
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What’s Trending in the World of Work: Flexibility and Boundaries in an Enterprise Environment
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
It takes structure, resources, and an appropriate culture for an organization to support remote work and a flexible workforce—both of which are important for recruitment and retention as well as access to independent talent. Companies of all sizes are testing ideas and learning to adapt, but it can be a more complex shift within enterprise organizations. Here’s a look at three global brands that are exploring new ways to work and change the status quo. Microsoft Japan tested a four-day work week and productivity jumped by 40% | The Guardian This summer, Microsoft Japan piloted a program calle ..read more
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Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z at Work: 3 Words That May Not Mean What You Think
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
We value diversity in the workplace but sometimes lose sight of the experiences and values that shape those varied opinions and ideas. That’s why perspective and empathy are critical soft skills in today’s workplace; they can be essential to good collaboration and navigating through misunderstandings. Division across generational lines is a common example of this. Sophie Wade, workforce innovator and author, challenged business leaders at the Work Without Limits Executive Summit to rethink not just their assumptions about different generations but also their language: We often assume the words ..read more
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Upwork 100 Provides Intel for 2020 Planning
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
What are your competitors prioritizing as we head toward 2020? The Upwork 100 is a quarterly index that ranks the top 100 skills—skills that have grown quickly and experienced a high level of demand on Upwork in Q3 of 2019. The list: Sheds light on current trends in the independent labor market and tech industry Serves as a barometer of the skills businesses are looking (and competing) for Indicates the most in-demand skills provided by independent professionals The Upwork 100 balances real-time insights with consistent patterns based on real work that’s been completed. Analyzing the results ..read more
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Perspective & Empathy: Sophie Wade on Critical Soft Skills for the Multigenerational Workplace
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
We are all trying to keep up with the shifting dynamics of work and technology. But with as many as five generations represented in the workplace, how each one of us views that change can vary wildly. It’s unprecedented diversity that has its challenges, and intergenerational disconnect is a common issue. “We are each, every one of us, interpreting these changes in different ways according to our own individual contexts,” Sophie Wade, workforce innovator and author, told the Work Without Limits Executive Summit in Chicago. “Some of us are excited or curious or confused or resisting, and these ..read more
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Why Slowing Down Can Free Your Team To Do More
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
How much time do you spend every day checking messages just in case something comes up? In our 24/7 world, there’s often an unwritten expectation that we’re always available. After all, checking in takes moments—and reduces the chance that you might miss out. The average American checks their smartphone at least once every 12 minutes. But at what cost? As companies recognize the impact of being constantly available and distributed teams increasingly stretch across time zones, a growing number of leaders are slowing down by embracing asynchronous communication—a traditional, even old fashioned ..read more
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Smarter Ways to Level Up Your Skills and Focus Your Efforts
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
The pressure to keep our skills sharp is constant. It’s rarely enough to commit yourself to understanding your craft—it’s also essential that you keep an eye on the horizon, too. The half-life of a professional skill is about five years and, according to some estimates, by next year 35 percent of the skills workers need will have changed within the past few years. That’s strong motivation to get ahead of the curve to protect your professional edge so you can keep thriving. But it’s also tough to master new skills while protecting the commitments you already have. To do so may mean reevaluating ..read more
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3 Ways to Recharge Your Workweek, Starting Today
Upwork
by Amy Sept
5y ago
Monday mornings can be tough. A 2018 survey by LinkedIn found that 80 percent of American workers get the “Sunday Scaries,” worrying about the week ahead. Add a time change to that mix and the beginning of your week can carry even more drag than usual. What can you do to turn things around today—and into the future? Check out these three articles for ideas to help reset your mood, improve your energy, and protect your wellbeing. 1. Shape your mornings so they work for you Mindset is a critical part of any day and experts say it starts by taking control of your morning. That can seem easier sai ..read more
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