If you’re an entrepreneurial spirit seeking a launchpad for your innovative ideas in navigating the modern workplace, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we shine the spotlight on the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course.
In all of our course reviews, we look at:
- Curriculum Quality: Is it comprehensive and practical?
- Faculty Excellence: Are the instructors leaders in their field?
- Real-World Impact: Do participants witness tangible outcomes?
- Value for Investment: Is the cost justified by the benefits?
Read on to see if the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course is the right fit for you.
What is the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course?
This program is a beacon for senior business leaders and HR professionals navigating the rapid transformations in today’s global and technological workplace landscape.
Over six weeks, participants dedicate 4-6 hours per week online to understand and leverage the shifts in labor markets, technological advancements, and employment models affecting modern work environments.
The course is designed around key takeaways, including recognizing workplace trends, analyzing forces affecting work, strategizing on global workforce management, and implementing AI and technology in practical, impactful ways.
It’s structured to provide a comprehensive, structured approach to understanding and leading in the future of work.
Key Features & Highlights
- Duration and Format: 6 weeks online, requiring 4-6 hours of commitment per week.
- Program Fee: US$2,600, which covers all course materials and access to Wharton’s resources.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering the current state of work, global and mobile workplaces, AI and automation, and emerging employment models.
- Expert Faculty: Led by esteemed Wharton professors and industry leaders.
- Interactive Learning: Through live office hours, fireside chats, industry examples, assignments, polls, reflections, and discussion boards.
- Real-World Application: Final project focusing on reimagining the current state of work in participants’ organizations.
Pricing
The program fee is set at US$2,600, which might seem steep at first glance.
However, considering the prestige of Wharton, the caliber of instructors, and the comprehensive nature of the curriculum, the price point is positioned to reflect the high value and transformative potential of the course for its participants.
Curriculum and Modules
The Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course’s curriculum is strategically designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics crucial for understanding and leading in the modern workplace.
The modules are categorized into key areas, enhancing the ease of consumption and application of the knowledge gained:
- The Current State of Work: Gain insights into the forces shaping today’s workplaces and assess organizational readiness for future challenges.
- AI and Automation in the Workplace: Understand the implications of AI on HR and workforce management.
- The Global and Mobile Workplace: Explore the dynamics of a global workforce and strategic talent management.
- Emerging Employment Models and Performance Management: Navigate the shift towards gig and on-demand employment models and their impact on performance management.
- Reskilling the Future Workplace: Tackle the inevitability of technological advancements and strategize on talent management.
- Data Science and AI in Recruitment: Leverage AI for innovative recruitment strategies and overcoming hiring challenges.
Participants also gain access to The Eight Forces Workbook, a tool designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the forces at play in modern workplaces, encouraging ongoing engagement with the course material.
Check out our post on the best tech leadership courses here.
Faculty & Teachers
The Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course boasts a faculty comprising some of the most distinguished academics and industry practitioners in the field of workforce innovation and management.
These educators bring a wealth of experience, not just from their academic research but from hands-on involvement in shaping the future of work across various industries.
Key faculty members include:
- Prof. Peter Cappelli, George W. Taylor Professor of Management and Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources, recognized for his insights into human resources, talent management, and employment relations.
- Prof. Martine Haas, Lauder Chair Professor of Management, known for her research on collaboration and innovation in global, knowledge-intensive environments.
Their teaching is complemented by guest lectures from industry leaders who share real-world challenges and insights, ensuring participants receive a balanced view that blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Comprehensive curriculum covering the latest trends and technologies in the workplace. | ❌ Price point may be high for some potential participants. |
| ✅ Access to Wharton’s renowned faculty and industry leaders. | ❌ Requires a significant time commitment of 4-6 hours per week. |
| ✅ Interactive learning experience with live sessions, discussions, and personalized feedback. | ❌ May not offer direct networking opportunities with peers due to its online format. |
| ✅ Practical, real-world application through a final project. | ❌ Focused more on senior leaders and HR professionals, which might limit accessibility for others interested in the future of work. |
| ✅ Unique tools and resources, such as The Eight Forces Workbook. |
What I Like About the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course
From an external perspective, the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course stands out for several compelling reasons. Its comprehensive curriculum, designed by some of the world’s leading academics and practitioners, offers a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of the modern workplace.
The focus on real-world application, particularly through the final project, suggests that participants can immediately apply their learnings to effect change within their organizations.
The course’s commitment to an interactive learning experience, leveraging technology for live office hours and discussions, enhances the value of the content delivered.
The inclusion of resources like The Eight Forces Workbook indicates a thoughtful approach to ensuring that participants can continue to engage with and reflect on course concepts beyond the program’s duration.
What Sets This Course Apart?
Several factors set the Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course apart from similar offerings:
- Faculty Excellence: The involvement of globally recognized leaders in the field offers unparalleled insights and learning opportunities.
- Real-World Focus: The curriculum’s emphasis on practical application, through tools like The Eight Forces Workbook and a capstone project, ensures learnings can be directly applied to participants’ workplaces.
- Interactive Learning: The course’s design to facilitate interaction with faculty and peers, even in an online format, supports a more engaging and enriching educational experience.
- Global Perspective: A comprehensive look at global and mobile workplaces prepares participants for the complexities of managing a diverse, distributed workforce.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Senior business leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
- HR professionals aiming to drive strategic change and innovation within their organizations.
- Decision-makers seeking to understand the impact of AI and technology on workforce management.
- Anyone involved in organizational development, talent management, or workforce strategy who wishes to stay ahead of emerging trends.
Bottom Line
The Wharton Future of Work: Leading Modern Workplaces Course presents a compelling opportunity for leaders and HR professionals to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in the rapidly evolving workplace.
With its blend of comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and practical applications, the course promises to deliver value well beyond its cost.
While the price and time commitment may pose challenges for some, the potential for real-world impact and professional development makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to lead their organizations into the future of work effectively.
Justin is a full-time data leadership professional and a part-time blogger.
When he’s not writing articles for Data Driven Daily, Justin is a Head of Data Strategy at a large financial institution.
He has over 12 years’ experience in Banking and Financial Services, during which he has led large data engineering and business intelligence teams, managed cloud migration programs, and spearheaded regulatory change initiatives.