The future of work is here

For decades, the way we worked remained largely unchanged. However, since the onset of Covid-19, working patterns have rapidly transformed and we will likely never return to how things were done pre-pandemic. This has widened the skills gap here in New Zealand and accelerated digitisation across all sectors. Over half of CFOs globally plan to ramp up automation and digital methods of working. However, in a survey by PwC recently, 72% of Australian workers said their employers hadn’t provided any skills training in the previous 12 months.

With the urgent need for upskilling to adapt to this rapid digitisation, we ask the question: are you ready for the future of work?

What exactly is the future of work?

Deloitte defines the future of work as “The growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the expansion of the workforce to include both on-and off-balance-sheet talent.” Essentially, it is the influence of socio-economic and digital trends and how they shape work, the workforce, and the workplace. This is why we can now say the future of work is here. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is already well underway, and Covid-19 has accelerated organisations’ digital communications strategies by an average of 6 years globally. As Glenn Weinstein, Chief Customer Officer at cloud communication company, Twilio, explained mid-2020, “We’ve seen years-long digital transformation roadmaps compressed into days and weeks in order to adapt to the new normal as a result of Covid-19.” This rapid transformation has brought the future of work to the present, and to keep up, candidates and employees will need to adapt fast.

Upskilling in the new normal

Are you one of the many Kiwis concerned about job security, or have lost your job in the current job market? If so, this is the time to focus on upskilling. A report by McKinsey estimates that 25-46% of current work in Australia could be automated by 2030, which is set to drive productivity, personal incomes, and economic growth. With the increase in automation, the skills profiles of jobs are shifting – according to the same report, employees will spend over 60% more time using technical skills by 2030. Skills will need to be acquired or developed in response to these shifts.

How to adapt to shifting work trends

From the increase in remote working, to the rise in reliance on technologies, we have seen remarkable changes over the past year. Here are key areas to focus on to ensure you’re ready for the future of work:

- Critical thinking and problem solving

Demand for complex cognitive skills is set to increase by one third within the next decade. While automation is certainly improving, it is still lacking when it comes to more complex problem-solving tasks. To hone your critical thinking, approach tasks objectively with an open mind and set out with a clear idea of the outcome you wish to achieve. Consistently weighing up the pros and cons in each situation and using reasoning and logic will result in innovative solutions – invaluable in today’s workplace.

- Technological skills

McKinsey research found that demand for technological skills – interacting with technology as well as coding – is predicted to rise by over 50% by 2030. Last summer, LinkedIn reported on the most in-demand skills in the workplace, most of which were related to technology. One of the upsides of the past few years is the majority of learning has moved online, making more courses accessible to a wider audience. Assess which skills you lack in the digital workplace, or research in-demand skills in roles you are interested in. You can then approach your learning and development to successfully prepare for the future.

- Emotional intelligence

No matter how much it develops, Artificial Intelligence will never match humans’ capability for emotional intelligence. Being able to communicate effectively and be empathetic towards colleagues is essential in this digital age. In fact, the demand for emotional intelligence is expected to outpace cognitive skills over the next 10 years. To strengthen this skill, practice self-awareness and active listening, and regularly check in on co-workers. If you are currently looking for work, you can take one of the many online courses in emotional intelligence to set yourself apart from the competition.

- Creativity and resilience

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s how to deal with setbacks and think outside the box. 2024 will continue to be a year of immense change with it’s own challenges too. You can foster a creative mindset by being curious, asking questions, and trying out new ideas as often as possible. When things fail, use it as an opportunity to learn – this will develop resilience. As the prolific inventor, Thomas Edison, put it, “I make more mistakes than anyone else I know, and sooner or later, I patent most of them.” Resilience and creativity go hand in hand – taking risks to try new ideas and finding innovative solutions to overcome challenges will be critical to drive not only your own success, but the success of the organisation.

Whether you are seeking a new role, or want to progress within your organisation, you have the power to position yourself for today’s fast-paced, digitised workplace. Take the steps towards upskilling today to become part of the future of work now.

What next?

Looking for your next role? Check out what jobs we currently have available, or speak to one of our team to help find the right role for you