Anyone in the workplace has undoubtedly noticed changes in the work force recently, like millennials becoming a larger percentage of employees, social media playing a larger role and the use of new collaborative technologies that improve mobility.

While some of these changes might seem like challenges, Amanda Bullough suggests that we should see them as opportunities.

In a presentation at the Produce Marketing Association’s annual Fresh Summit in Orlando, Florida, in October, the University of Delaware management assistant professor described the biggest changes happening in the workforce today, and how employers can create an environment that embraces that change.

In the presentation, Bullough discussed the five trends that will shape the future of work:

• Behaviors shaped by social media.

• Millennials becoming the majority in the workforce.

• A shift to the “cloud.”

• New collaborative technologies.

• Mobility and “connecting to work.”

Bullough’s presentation also described numerous evolutions currently happening in the workplace environment, including shifts:

• From hierarchy to team-based organization.

• From fixed working hours to flexible working hours.

• From command and fear-based leadership to engaging and inspiring leadership.

• From email to other forms of communication.

• From work in the office to mobile work.

Due to the summit’s topic, Bullough’s presentation focused on the forces of change currently affecting the produce industry: From labor to world security, everything has an impact. Other changing produce trends include the increased popularity of organic produce, and exotic foods becoming more normal for the general population.

Bullough described the possible reactions to change as resistance, compliance and commitment. She helped the audience understand why some people within their organizations may be resistant to change.

Bullough encouraged leaders to educate and support the members of their organizations by implementing change fairly and hiring people who thrive in an atmosphere of change.

Bullough said that she hoped her presentation was helpful for everyone in the audience.

“I tried to make the session be a hands-on, productive workshop for all participants, regardless of his or her role or level in their organization’s hierarchy,” she said. “Through personalized activities and discussion questions, they were encouraged to think and take notes about issues affecting their own businesses. Hopefully, they left the session with action steps that they can implement when they return to work after the conference.”