In the lead up to the end of 2020 and after the uncertainty that COVID-19 brought, we are faced with the question of where the world of work is going and what the future will look like.
Future Megatrends
According to a recent PWC report, 5 megatrends are shaping the future:
- Technology – including data, automation and AI advances.
- Demographic shifts – changing size, distribution and age profile of the world population.
- Urbanisation – expectation that 4.9 billion people will be urban dweller by 2050, an increase of 72%.
- Shifts in global economic power – power shifting between developed and developing countries.
- Resource scarcity and climate change – depleted fossil fuels and water shortages.
For organisations to be “future proof” they will need to be prepared for the technology changes happening around them. This will involve understanding the potential for digital platforms and AI to underpin them. Closely linked to this is data is how governments and organisations decide to share, manage and protect it.
What does this mean for jobs?
Automation will result in a massive reclassification and rebalancing of work. Some sectors and roles will lose out, but others will be created. It will not only alter the types of jobs available but their number and perceived value. By replacing workers doing routine and methodical tasks, machines can amplify the advantage of those workers with problem-solving, leadership, EQ, empathy and creativity skills. Employers will prioritise creativity, adaptability, innovation, imagination and design skills.
How do we prepare for this?
The biggest lesson we have learnt this year is that adaptability in organisations, individuals and society is essential for navigating times of change. The responsibility will be on us to adapt, acquire new skills and experiences, try new tasks and even rethink and retrain throughout your career. The key will be the Career Pivot!
Career Pivot
We have spent much of this year discussing Career Pivots, how to identify our Unique Personal Brand, and then how to generate a pivot into a new market, organisation or even new role. In the future world of work, people who have learnt this skill will be identified as the key to organisational success.
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and wish you well for the new year. Look forward to hearing from you again in 2021!
