We are currently facing a Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the same way as those that have gone before have transformed industry and the working world, so too will this momentous moment in history. Today, as opposed to the use of steam or the mass production of materials such as iron or glass, we are staring down the barrel of automation, robotics and shifting labour markets. All of these have the potential to create an entirely different work future that requires a whole new set of skills to navigate.
The future of work and skills
The impact of technology is being widely felt in the workplace. There are few sectors where this isn’t already making a big difference to the way that businesses function and recruit. Some of the key considerations surrounding the future of work and skills include:
1. Establishing a more inclusive digital economy
The World Bank identified a number of ways in which a more inclusive digital economy could be secured for the future of work. These include strengthening and extending existing digital infrastructure, building more digital platforms that enable access to services, improving digital skills and literacy and encouraging entrepreneurship.
2. Giving workers the skills and abilities they will need to adapt to future changes
The focus here is on life long learning. Historically, learning has been an academic process, one that is often completed by the time we enter the workplace. It’s only if we want to retrain or change jobs that we entertain the idea that more learning may be required. However the future world of work will require a much more flexible approach from both employers and employees.
Reskilling and retraining an existing workforce will be essential to give workers the opportunity to evolve. Upskilling programmes that leverage technology will be crucial to giving workers the skills that they need to adapt to the way that the workplace changes, no matter what that change may be. Ongoing learning is the only real way to future proof businesses and roles and to enable workers to evolve as the needs of the employment market do.
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3. Developing more resilient skills for people entering the workplace for the first time
When those who are children today step into the working world for the first time it’s likely that they will be looking at a range of roles that are very different to the choices available today. Some may not even exist yet. Everything, from climate change to automation could have an impact on what the workplace looks like when today’s children join it so it’s essential that all are taught a more resilient skill set. Collaborative problem solving, for example, has been identified as a key skill for young people to acquire in order to be better prepared for the future.
We are likely to see considerable change in the workplace in the years to come, which means the future could look very different to the employment structures and relationships of today.
At RG Group we think it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest ideas and innovations in workplace development across a range of different sectors. Call our team to find out how we can help with your project today.
