The world of work has been altered for millions of people over the last 18 months. For many the relationship with the office has been severed and we have developed a new paradigm that includes online meetings, less travel and lunches at home with the family.
But for some the flexibilities that have arisen come with real concerns about job security and what may come post pandemic….
A recent study by McKinsey Group indicates that 1 in 16 workers may need to switch jobs by 2030 and that the majority of stable new jobs will be created in higher skilled sectors, with a significant reduction in opportunities for those that don’t possess evolved technical skills.
PWC suggest nearly 60% of workers think that few people will have stable long term employment in the future and there is consensus that those who are not willing, or able to transform themselves by adding new skills, will be left behind.
The challenges and barriers to employment for some groups of workers are increasing and there is a real concern that the future of work will be characterised by even greater levels of inequality. The online virtual world being experienced through the lens of Zoom, hints at ever more evolved tech systems that many fear will lead to a reduction in jobs, particularly those held by lower wage workers, women and younger people. Existing inequalities will be deepened by the double disruption of Covid-19 and an increased use of tech solutions.
Although in many sectors artificial intelligence and machine learning, are still to impact in the workplace, for many employees automation arrived a while ago and has been progressing at an exponential rate ever since. Supermarkets are replacing workers with self-checkouts and business administration staff have been supplanted by learning technology which can process information at a staggering rate.
It is not all bad news though. A rise in e-commerce will ensure a broad range of roles are created in the supply chain; and increasing concern for the environment will result in specialist posts in the rapidly emerging green economy. Healthcare will be required to support our ageing population and teachers and trainers will be needed to facilitate the development of our newly agile working community.
A careful and sensitive approach to our changing world of work is required to ensure an inclusive and effective workplace emerges in the post pandemic world. Government and business leaders will need to work together to create solutions that balance business imperatives with a real concern for their greatest assets.
For more thoughts about the future of work join Clover HR on our launch Podcast – The HR Connection – where we will explore the concept of the Hybrid Workplace…or for information on any HR topic please contact Clover HR on 0121 516 0299.
The HR Connection launched on May 10th 2021
https://open.spotify.com/show/0M5GLUqbqS7xAzhrQZjlaG?si=Bjb9DKTDQL2AvwNGnnvHRw
