The future of work is now! The changes in the sphere of work have already started shifting. Even though opinions may differ, tech-savvy and business leaders acknowledge that changes will be driven by technology.
In the future, a new world may emerge where human resources function will be replaced by automation and outsourcing, a world where even skillful workers can have tough competition. It will change the whole idea of work and give it a new meaning. Our past has given us a lesson that change can come from unexpected places.
Now, will this technology intensify job inequality or bring in the utopia of work and societies is unknown because it is impossible to know entirely what the future holds. However, the change does not need to be scary. We hope it creates equal, profitable work opportunities. The main focus should be on how to prepare yourself for the future.
1. Workforces of Future: 4 Different Scenarios
Four possible scenarios that shape the future of work according to PwC are the red, blue, yellow, and green world. These extreme examples of what work can be like in 2030 are envisioned on the basis of how people and organizations behave, on one axis, to the impact of collectivism and individualism, and homogenization and separation on the other.
Here we will see what these words mean and what are the things that we should know about future jobs and some examples of emerging future professions and skills.
The Red World- Where Ideas Rule
In this scenario, by PwC those with innovative ideas and profit makers will flourish with help of digital platforms. Less human resource teams will be present as other services will be automated. There may be fewer benefits like pension, health benefits for the workers. There will be a demand for strong workers only.
The Blue World- Where Organisation is the Ruler
Corporate or organizations in this scenario will grow to the point they may become stronger and bigger than the national economy. The human limits may be tested, and efforts maximized to their limits in the workplace. Only talented and updated skilled workers may survive, while others may be cast aside by corporations.
The Green World- Where Humans Do Matter
In this world, competition is intense, but financial rewards are still crucial. The strong ethics in this scenario focus and emphasize human rights, diversity, and people’s lives. Corporates, however, expect their employees to reflect their value at work.
The Yellow World- Where Humans are Most Valuable
In this scenario, the workers may find flexibility working for organizations with high ethical codes. Also, they will have a loyalty to other people with similar skills and talents. It may result in forming a guild that will protect, support, and connect workers. On the other hand, organizations and workers will have respect for each other. As customers may resist automation, the companies will rely on human-driven work rather than machines. In short, as the author of PwC describes, “humanness is highly valued”.
2. Emerging and Declining Jobs
According to the Future of job survey 2020 version, many jobs can become redundant while some new ones will emerge. They also estimated that by 2025, about 85 million jobs will likely be superseded by the change in the cleaving of labor between machinery and humans. On the other hand, about 97 million roles may emerge.
Top leading positions in increasing demand are Data analyst and scientist, AI and machine learning specialist, big data specialist, digital marketing and strategy specialist, process automation specialist, business development specialist, information security analyst, app developer, and project managers.
At the opposite end of the scale, which may become redundant by 2025 is data editors, accountants and auditors, material recording and stock-keeping clerks, accounting bookkeeping and payroll clerks, financial analyst, human resources specialist.
3. In-Demand Skills
Here are the skills that will be in demand which will help land and secure occupation in the future:
- Cognitive abilities- Abilities like critical thinking, writing, literacy, and quantitative analytical skills will be very in demand. These abilities will be noteworthy to employers and will be of importance for workers as these will help in landing a secure job in the future.
- Social and emotional skills- empathy, communication, adaptability, and intentional learning will be most sought after emotional and social skills in the future.
- Technical knowledge- having skills of IT, data analysis and some other technological abilities will be demanded in future as the jobs are connecting with technology more and more.
Some of the talks about the world and redundancy or emergence of jobs may sound whimsical, but any of these or even a combination of them is possible. Who gets to benefit from these scenarios depends on considering and careful planning of staying competitive, keeping and motivating people, and upgrading your skills. We may not know all the answers to the future, but one can face the future of work by taking aforementioned steps and being confident.