Short answer
Work redesign is the practice of changing how work is done – tasks, decisions, processes, roles and teams – before deciding what workforce you need. It’s especially important when AI changes what people and machines can do, because workforce plans that extrapolate today’s jobs will be wrong.
Why redesign the work first
New technology changes little if the work around it stays the same. Starting with the work – mapping it as it is, then as it should be – shows where people add value, where AI or automation fits, and what roles should look like.
How it differs from workforce planning
Workforce planning forecasts headcount and skills. Work redesign decides what the work should be. Done in that order, workforce choices follow from the design rather than from assumptions.
What a work redesign sprint delivers
A focused sprint on one critical workflow produces a future workflow, role impacts and a testable implementation plan in weeks, rather than a strategy document.
Key takeaways
- Redesign the work before planning the workforce.
- Human and AI contributions should be explicit and governed.
- Start with one critical workflow and prove it.
Frequently asked questions
Is work redesign the same as restructuring?
No. Restructuring changes reporting lines. Work redesign changes how work is done, which may or may not change structure.
Who should be involved?
The people who do the work and the managers who lead them, from the start. Redesign done to people rarely holds.
How long does a redesign sprint take?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks for one critical workflow.
How do you make the change stick?
Equip first-line managers to lead it, and measure adoption and performance for months after go-live.
Work Redesign Sprint
Redesign a critical workflow in weeks, not a strategy document.