Cloudcall : Thinking #FutureForward at SIA Executive Forum Europe 2018

Our team had a fantastic time at SIA Executive Forum Europe 2018 in London last week. This year's theme, Future Forward, challenged industry leaders to come together and think ahead. Future Forward was further explained by keynote speaker John Nurthen.

John Nurthen, Global Research, SIA predicts that alternative forms of employment will continue to become more popular, such as contingent work. Contingency allows workers to be flexible with their hours and supplement their current income. Uber is currently at the forefront of this trend.

John also discussed current trends, including countries that have difficulty hiring, emphasizing that Germany, Spain and Southern Europe are having trouble.

This year, CloudCall sponsored 'Birds of a Feather Networking Lunch', bringing together industry leaders to connect and discuss topics surrounding the event. First day of #ExecForum concluded with a Networking Event honouring the 2018 Staffing 100 Europe.

On the second day of the conference, David Rowan, Editor-at-Large & Founding UK Editor-in-Chief, WIRED UK discussed the threats and opportunities that blockchain, 3D printing and robotics present to staffing and workforce solutions in his talk, 'Innovate to Prosper; The Impact of Automation on the Staffing Industry'.

Rowan utilized insights into the latest technology to open minds to the possibility of technology that is available and its impact on the world of work.

Blockchain will soon be able to speed up the process of staff checks by providing employers immediate access to an employee's full history.

What exactly is a benefit of using blockchain for staff checks? To prevent lying on applications, by providing a clear history of an employee's work.

#ExecForum concluded with a big debate this year about Artificial Intelligence and other technologies, The Big Debate: Artificial Intelligence and Other Technologies will Eliminate 50% of All Recruiting Jobs by 2030. Panelists argued for or against whether AI and other technologies will have an impact on staffing.

Honestly, I was quite impressed by the large turnout this year. My biggest takeaway from ExecForum 2018 was the relationship building I had through conversations. I was able to build through conversation at this event, unheard of anywhere else in the executive staffing space. Looking forward to next year!