At the last Future of Work Café, which took place on August 30, 2024 at RUUF in Schaan, more than 20 managers from SMEs in Liechtenstein gathered to shape the future of work together. The monastery garden and gallery provided the perfect setting for an open dialog and appreciative discussions. The Future of Work Café stands for open communication and dialog at eye level between SMEs - a safe space to talk openly about challenges and share different perspectives.

Focus on values: what really counts

As part of the check-in on corporate culture, the values Authenticity (staying true to yourself), honesty, respect, optimism and courage as particularly important. It became clear that respect and appreciation are currently most strongly practiced in Liechtenstein. Honesty and authenticity are represented in many facets, while optimism and courage are currently less visible.

These findings are particularly relevant as they show where companies' untapped potential lies. In a world that is increasingly characterized by uncertainty, resilience and innovative strength are becoming decisive factors for entrepreneurial success. Optimism makes it possible to recognize opportunities in difficult situations, while Courage to seize these opportunities and break new ground. Those who strengthen these values will not only more resistantbut also more competitive.

But how can these challenges be overcome? The participants at the Future of Work Café agreed that the solution is not to avoid risks, but to consciously take them and look positively to the future. This attitude can make the decisive difference as to whether a company stagnates in times of crisis or emerges stronger. Optimism and courage are therefore not just values, but strategic success factors that pave the way to a successful future.

In small groups, the participants of the Future of Work Café focused on three topics prepared by digihub.li in collaboration with SMEs and partners.

1st SME training platform: Future viability through lifelong learning

A central item on the program was the presentation of the SME training platform that digihub.li is developing together with the University of Liechtenstein. Petra Schwärzler from the University of Liechtenstein presented the objectives of this project, which aims to prepare SMEs in Liechtenstein and the Lake Constance region for the future. The platform aims to promote lifelong learning, particularly in the areas of digitalization and sustainability.

The participants provided valuable feedback and emphasized the need to make the platform practical and application-oriented. The desire for concrete application examples that can be used directly in practice was expressed. Another topic was the need to keep the platform flexible and always up to date in order to meet rapidly changing requirements.

2. team communication: a concept for effective collaboration

Another key topic at the Future of Work Café was team communication. Phi Yen Oehri and Hartmut Hübner presented a concept that addresses the communication challenges in teams in three steps:

Step 1: Communication principles through a SWOT analysis: Openness, honesty, comprehensibility, active listening and respect form the basis for successful team communication.

Step 2: Communication rules define: By developing a communication etiquette, clear rules are established for the use of different communication channels and the type of communication.

Step 3: Communication skills expand: In short team sessions, skills such as giving feedback, conflict resolution and constructive discussions are specifically trained.

This structured approach is designed to help companies build better relationships with employees and customers, save time and promote a vibrant culture of innovation.

3. coworking space 2.0: vision for the future

Stephan Gstöhl presented a concept for the further development of existing coworking offerings in Liechtenstein. In the "Coworking Space 2.0" project, a vision for a forward-looking place of innovation and collaboration is being developed in a co-creative framework. The aim is to combine various elements such as coworking, coliving, gastronomy, artist studios and pop-up stores in a holistic concept.

The presentation of a concept for a possible interim use of the former post office building in Vaduz, which could realize these visions, was particularly exciting. The participants agreed that such a location has the potential to network existing initiatives and projects and serve as an incubator for innovation.

Conclusion and outlook

The Future of Work Café once again demonstrated the importance of open exchange and collaboration between SMEs in Liechtenstein. The topics discussed - from future-oriented training and effective team communication to the vision of an innovative coworking space - made it clear that Liechtenstein SMEs are equipped to take on the challenges of the future.

We are already looking forward to the next Future of Work Caféwhich was published on November 22, 2024 will take place. Join us and actively shape the future of work!