Have you read all the news lately about the changing landscape of the workforce with the advance of artificial intelligence and automation? There is no doubt the future of work looks very different than it does today. Digital technologies are upending the workforce and the workplace is changing more quickly than ever before. So what can workers expect in the coming years and how can you make sure you are staying informed and keeping your skills relevant for the future of work?
First of all, don’t panic. The best thing you can do is be informed and educate yourself about the predicted changes for the near future and start to think about how you will position yourself and what you will do to put yourself in the best position to capitalize on those changes.
One thing we know for sure is that technology is accelerating job creation but eliminating jobs just as fast. Some estimates have put the risk of automation as high as half of current jobs, while others forecast a considerably lower value of 9%. Still, all occupations will go through change. The World Economic Forum found that on average one-third of the skill sets required to perform today’s jobs will be entirely new by 2020.
Education and training are definitely not keeping up with these changes so it’s up to you to take the initiative and learn the new technologies that may be presented to you in your current job or for a new position you hope to have in the future.
There is a lot of great research that has been done that we feel gives great insight that we would like to share with you.
- Deloitte shares insightful information on the future of work and the disruption that lies ahead stating that work is changing and being driven by accelerating connectivity, new talent models, and cognitive tools. As robotics, AI, the gig economy and crowds grow, jobs are being reinvented, creating the “augmented workforce.” We must reconsider how jobs are designed and work to adapt and learn for future growth.
- In a report from earlier this month, The McKinsey Global Institute talks about the future of work and explores how technologies like automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are shaping how we work, where we work, and the skills we need to work. And a report published in November shares insights into what the future of work will mean for jobs, skills, and wages and assesses the jobs lost and jobs gained under different scenarios through 2030.
As we move forward into a workplace that looks different to all of us, the only thing we can do is look at the future of work as an opportunity and find ways to adapt to new ways of working and learn new ways of working as technology advances. You don’t want to be left in technology’s dust!
As you review 2017 and start planning for 2018, make sure you are considering the future of work and add some career goals related to the changes we are facing.
Jimmy Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Make sure you are making adjustments to reach your destination and let us help you find the right place for you in the future of work!
