Evolution of Workforce Skills Demand

Evolution of Workforce Skills Demand

According to a new Future of Jobs Report 2018 by the World Economic Forum, skill sets required in both old and new occupations will change in most industries and transform how and where people work.

For example, in 2018, an average of 71% of total task hours are performed by humans, compared to 29% by machines. By 2022, this average is expected to have shifted to 58% task hours performed by humans and 42% by machines. However, according the ManpowerGroup’s Humans Wanted: Robots Need You research, of the 41% of companies in this research that will automate tasks over the next 2 years, 24% will create more jobs, 6 percentage points more than those who don’t plan to automate. The way works gets done is changing, but the data is clear: companies that automate more are also creating more jobs.

The report sheds light on data that ManpowerGroup has tracked and acted on for some time.

"Digital transformation is in overdrive, fueling growth, connecting communities and powering value creation, a positive force for those capable of adapting at speed,” says Jonas Prising, Chairman & CEO, ManpowerGroup. “At the same time, technology and globalization are driving huge societal and political shifts, changing the game for both companies and workers.”

Amidst this rapid acceleration and change, the impact of technology will be felt by all job functions, employment levels and skills. Here are some of the evolving and emerging skills that employers will need:

Analytical thinking and innovation

Out-of-the-box thinking is popular in theory, but most organizations settle for the tried and true. It’s good practice to challenge employees with questions that stimulate alternative ways of thinking. Leaders should push for greatness in others: “What haven’t you tried yet? If you were not afraid of consequences, what would you try?”

Creativity, originality and initiative

As the world becomes more complex, it becomes imperative to cultivate a workforce that can generate the greatest and most creative ideas for problem solving. This process shouldn’t be viewed as another thing to add to an already over-scheduled day but viewed as a means to create a competitive advantage. Follow this model for producing ideas to make the creative process more accessible .

Active learning and learning strategies

Learning how to learn is important because the average person will change roles four to nine times in their career. Learning doesn’t stop after graduation or landing a new job, rather the workforce will need to supplement education to remain an agile learner. When it comes to learning how to learn, using three memory techniques is key .

Leadership and social influence

The courage to lead is a critical skill in turbulent times. As the organization moves through a digital transformation, leaders should feel empowered to drive the agenda forward. Senior leaders must sanction a culture of innovation and reward managers who bring entrepreneurial passion and decision-making to the job.

These skills are a start as the workplace undergoes digital transformation – but it’s not all. Learn more about the Future of Work and Skills.