Month: February 2023

Interview with former Vogue China Stylist Wenjie Zheng:

Q: On the top of your head, how would you imagine the future workplace to be in 2050?

A: Wow, that’s a far stretch, but I think technology would definitely place a huge part in the future. In my case, I would imagine virtual reality and digital tools would help largely with creative jobs.

Q: What’s the reason for you to believe that?

A: Because you can already see trends of technology applying in fields like arts, fashion, and other experiences. Not only doe tech tools save time and energy, but I believe the trend will definitely grow larger and eventually become a practically part of our lives.

Q: Do you think workplace hierarchy is good or bad? Why?

A: I wouldn’t say the current hierarchy system is bad, but I think everyone’s role/level should be more equal in the future. What I mean is that I still think a good leader important for any project, but instead of overruling everything like most bosses in China, a leader should make sure the direction and distribute works fairly among all workers, as well as open to listen to other co-workers opinions.

Q: What do you think is the biggest factor that shapes the future workplace?

A: Like what I mentioned about technology earlier, I think the developments of AI will be a big factor of the future workplace. Along with your question earlier about hierarchy, maybe in the future AI can play a part in decision making, analyzing  data to make the fairest decisions.

Q: The pandemic has changed how people work and live, what other current events do you think are as important but overlooked?

A: I think how automation are replacing labor workers is something that can greatly shape the future workplaces. With nano grade surgical machines made, even jobs like doctors can be replaced by robots, not to mention that tools like MidJournal and DALL-E creating creative works. Overall I think the future can be quite exciting, but unpredictable.

Future of Work, Film Reflection week 07:

Over the past weekend, I watched file ‘The Parasite’ directed by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho.

After watching, I started to think the film’s association with the future of work. In my opinion, the film reflects the future of work affected by wealth gaps by portraying a society where social mobility is nearly impossible, and the only way to escape poverty is through deception and exploitation.

The movie highlights the widening wealth gap by illustrating the poor living environment and struggles the main character’s family were going through. Which eventually shows the exploitative nature of capitalism, and the struggle of the working class to make ends meet, while the rich live in luxury without realizing the extent of their privilege.

Ultimately, the film demonstrates how inequality can lead to desperation and how class conflict can have devastating consequences. Issues appeared in the film might seem overly dramatic to be happening in real life, but if we as a society do not take actions to reduce wealth gaps, tragedies happened in the film are likely to reoccur in the future.