The Working Future: Six Worker Archetypes for the World Ahead
There’s no such thing as the “average” worker. Understanding six archetypes can help firms build an effective talent strategy.
Operator
Forms the backbone of the organization
Giver
Brings the human touch to the firm
Artisan
Raises the bar for performance
Explorer
Makes the organization more adaptable
Pioneer
Is the engine of change
Striver
Keeps the firm running successfully
Explore: Six Worker Archetypes
Quiz: What Type of Worker Are You?
Video: Archetypes for the Next Era
Related Insights
Introduction
Motivations for Work
01
What Makes a “Good Job”
02
Automation Rehumanizes Work
03
Technology Blurs Boundaries
04
Young Workers Overwhelmed
05
The Journey Ahead
For Operators, life is about more than work. They see work as a means to an end. They don't feel a burning desire to always stand out, which makes them excellent team players. At their best, they form the dependable backbone of the organization. At their worst, they are disengaged and lack proactivity.
Operators’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Operators’ prevalence by country
Operators’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Operators’ prevalence by age and education (US)
OPERATOR
GIVER
ARTISAN
EXPLORER
Home
Work centricity
Financial orientation
Future orientation
Status orientation
Risk tolerence
Variety
Autonomy
Camaraderie
Mastery
Self-transcendence
7
1
3
5
USA
Brazil
Nigeria
Italy
France
Germany
India
China
Indonesia
Japan
18–34
35–54
55+
High school (or less)
Some college
Bachelor's (or more)
Age
Education
29%
21%
19%
24%
23%
All occupations
Manual jobs
Service jobs
Administrative jobs
Care jobs
Knowledge jobs
28%
33%
20%
17%
26%
27%
22%
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For Givers, work is about service. They feel rewarded by seeing their actions make a positive impact in someone else's life. They bring a human touch to their organizations. At their best, they are selfless. At their worst, they may be impractical or naive.
Givers’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Givers’ prevalence by country
Givers’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Givers’ prevalence by age and education (US)
18%
14%
16%
25%
15%
12%
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Artisans are motivated by the pursuit of mastery in their craft. They're always on the lookout for ways to perfect their skills—for them, learning is a lifelong journey. They raise the bar for performance at their organizations. At their best, they are able to solve complex challenges. At their worst, they can be aloof and lose sight of bigger objectives.
Artisans’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Artisans’ prevalence by country
Artisans’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Artisans’ prevalence by age and education (US)
9%
10%
For Explorers, life is an adventure. They want excitement and variety from work. They help make their organizations more adaptable in a rapidly changing world. At their best, they will enthusiastically throw themselves at whatever task is required of them. At their worst, they are directionless and lack conviction.
Explorers’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Explorers’ prevalence by country
Explorers’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Explorers’ prevalence by age and education (US)
8%
7%
11%
13%
Strivers are driven by a powerful desire to make something of their lives. They set high standards for themselves and can be quite competitive. They keep organizations running successfully. At their best, they are disciplined and transparent. At their worst, their competitiveness degrades trust and camaraderie within the organization.
Strivers’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Strivers’ prevalence by country
Strivers’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Strivers’ prevalence by age and education (US)
Pioneers are on a mission to change the world. They tend to form strong views about the way things should be and seek opportunities to turn their visions into reality. At their best, they mobilize their infectious energy to bring about lasting change. At their worst, they are uncompromising and imperious.
Pioneers’ scores on 10 dimensions of attitudes toward work
Pioneers’ prevalence by country
Pioneers’ prevalence by occupation (US)
Pioneers’ prevalence by age and education (US)
6%
5%
