Automated machinery, sensors, AI, interconnected ecosystems—advancements in digital technology are booming and it’s only a matter of time before they change the face of the skilled trades.

At the beginning of each year, we at Skillwork like to take some time to study and reflect on the previous year before considering the year ahead. It gives us an opportunity to not only celebrate our wins and learn from our mistakes as a company, but to take a forward look at the future of the labor market overall.

Over the past few months, we’ve been doing a series called “The Cost of Not Changing”, where we discuss various costs your business incurs from not changing the way you currently do things. At some point, those costs may become greater than the expenses you’re already incurring.

Being understaffed—or even just not having the experienced workers you need—can have a measurable impact on the safety at your facility.

For the past few weeks, we have been exploring topics that ask the question: At what point is the rising cost of continuing what you’re doing enough to cause you to change?

This week on The Skillwork Forum, we tackle most business leaders’ least favorite subject: workplace culture.