How employers and employees can prepare for the future world of work
View(s):More than half of the global workforce are worried that technology will threaten their jobs, says Director of Swinburne’s Centre for the New Workforce, Dr Sean Gallagher.
In a survey of more than 1,000 working Australians, the complete findings of which will be released later this month, Dr Gallagher found that emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and automation, were perceived as a bigger threat to job security than an economic downturn.
“It is definitely on the radar of many,” says Dr Gallagher. “And one of the things that is quite clear from the survey is that they feel they are not ready for the changes they expect over the next five years.”
More than half of surveyed workers believe their current skillset will not last five years, as digital technology is already changing or affecting many jobs.
Skills for The Future World of Work
Uniquely human skills will be the point of difference for workers in the future, says Dr Gallagher.
“People connecting and working with people will drive the value add from workers in the digital economy. Workers should focus on improving social competencies and qualities such as emotional intelligence, empathy, entrepreneurial skills, leadership, risk-taking ability, creativity, ideation, collaboration and resilience. Traditional expertise is still fundamentally important, but instead of it being your main point of difference, it will be a foundation.”
Executive Director of Swinburne Professional, Rob Chetwynd, says training in soft skills and business skills is in high demand.
“It’s these non-traditional skills that are becoming increasingly important to retain and engage staff, and understand what makes them tick to get the most out of them. The workforce of the future is more generalist, so we all need a greater range of skills. It’s about giving people the right skills to do their jobs, not become an expert in a specific field forever.”
It Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Dr Gallagher says that companies and organisations often focus on the technology requirements for the digital economy than on their people.
“Employers need to empower workers to be decision-makers and risk-takers, starting with fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. Workers who are resilient in ambiguous and dynamic environments, and can work across knowledge boundaries, will develop the agency they need to succeed.
“Employers need to create learning workplaces and allow workers to self-direct their learning based on their motivational purpose.”
Dr Gallagher says that workers need the right mindset for the future of work.
“Recognise that it’s your innately human skills that will become increasingly important. Don’t be afraid to take yourself out of your comfort zone and never stop learning.”
NCHS
Established with the mission of bringing the best of global education at an affordable rate, NCHS is on a mission for continuous greatness in local education. NCHS offers world class education qualifications in collaboration with the prestigious Swinburne University, Ulster University and numerous California State Universities at the central campuses in the heart of Colombo and Kandy.
The flexible degree structure at NCHS provides students with access to a wide range of subjects across different fields. With over 60 Bachelor’s Degrees to choose from on completion of the pathway programmes in the Business, IT, Health Science and Engineering streams, students can combine major and minor studies to graduate with a deeper understanding of the subject areas that they are interested in. The flexible course structure combined with a wide range of subjects will provide students with the opportunity to shape their degree programme to suit their goals, interests and ambitions.
To explore and discover how you can plan your future with a prestigious Swinburne University qualification contact NCHS on 0777 899 998 or email info@nchs.edu.lk