The future of work is human.

All humans have the right to work in jobs that they choose. That’s what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed back in 1948. But for the authors and other people who work for Workhuman, this is no longer enough.

They believe that in our technologically advanced present, humans have the right to work in jobs that they choose, and that also meet their essential needs. These include the need for social connection, psychological safety, growth, and meaning.

Workhuman has made it its mission to ensure that modern workplaces represent these core human values. Why? Well, the first reason is that making people happier in their work is simply the right thing to do. The second reason is that human workplaces also happen to be great for business.

The key message here is: The future of work is human.

Rapidly evolving technologies such as the internet and artificial intelligence have transformed the way we work – and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon. This ever-changing tech environment has created a market that experts sometimes describe with the military term VUCA: volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

In order to stay competitive in a VUCA market, businesses need to adapt and evolve constantly, too. This means that they need to attract and retain employees who are willing to do the same. Since employees today are more socially conscious, informed, and mobile than ever, keeping them inspired and engaged isn’t an easy task.

The best thing businesses can do is create a workplace where employees feel recognized, valued, and appreciated as full human beings. The human workplace is built around positive values such as community, connectedness, and belonging, and unites a diverse set of people around a shared mission. Instead of trying to force peak performances out of employees, it inspires them to give their peak performance.

Indeed, comprehensive business research over the last three decades shows that employees in human workplaces perform better, are more engaged with their work, and stick around longer. This increases profits, boosts business growth, and saves costs in the long run.

Companies like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Toyota have already recognized the power of positive human values in the workplace, and are designing their business structures accordingly – with great success. These blinks will show you how your business can do the same.