In a forward-looking commentary on the future of work, leaders from key businesses in San Antonio – including USAA, H-E-B, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, and more – shared their perspectives in a recent summit organized by the San Antonio Report and Greater:SATX.

During the discussion, these executives articulated their views on the rapid transformation of the business landscape, driven by various factors such as evolving societal attitudes toward work, increased flexibility in work arrangements, and the shift of power towards the workforce.

Velocity of Change and Uncertainty

Wayne Peacock, president and CEO of USAA, stated, “There’s never been a time when there’s been this much change going on, and this much uncertainty, and the velocity of the change has never been this fast.” This observation was made during the “Local Leaders on the Future of Work: A View from the San Antonio C-Suite” event hosted at the Red Berry Estate, located on the city’s East Side.

The panel of local leaders shed light on the challenges their respective organizations faced during the pandemic, striking a balance between safety measures and continuing operations. For instance, in the case of essential businesses or services, such as healthcare institutions, grocery stores, and manufacturing plants, remote work wasn’t a feasible option.

Flexible Work Models for The Future

Amid these shifts, the panelists unanimously agreed that businesses need to offer more flexible work models without compromising productivity levels. Andrea Marks, senior vice president and chief operating officer of UT Health San Antonio, emphasized, “Creating that flexibility has given us greater access to talent and greater retention.”

They also stressed the importance of restoring and preserving company culture in the aftermath of the pandemic. Craig Boyan, President of H-E-B, argued that salary and benefits are baseline requirements, but “what matters most is that employees can say, ‘I feel respected.’”

Crucial Discussions on Workforce Development

The conversation also encompassed workforce development, with leaders acknowledging the significant progress being made in the region, albeit there’s still a long journey ahead. San Antonio’s taxpayer-funded Ready to Work program was also touched upon in the discussion. However, Boyan candidly expressed that the region’s workforce “is not where it needs to be.”

Ultimately, all leaders agreed that collective effort from business, government, and nonprofit sectors is required to address the issue. Susann Kazunas, the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, praised the efforts of SA WORX, which is employing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s talent pipeline management model to engage employers on job filling strategies.

Looking Ahead: Technology and Growth

Lastly, the panel of leaders also offered their predictions on the future of emerging technologies. Bianca Rhodes, president, and CEO of Knight Aerospace, highlighted the advancements in space technology and invigorated the audience by mentioning her company’s upcoming projects. Furthermore, she identified cybersecurity as another primary focus area and recognized the initiatives underway at Port San Antonio.

Collectively, these leaders foresee San Antonio evolving as a hub for these cutting-edge technologies, enhancing future opportunities and transforming the city’s economic landscape.