The global workplace is changing, with companies demanding different skillsets from modern employees and automation set to seize 800 million jobs by 2030.
For those looking to keep pace with the changing demands of employers, Glyn Roberts suggests the skills to help you get ahead of the competition.
Management roles
Automation is set to take over roles in transport, manufacturing and more, but it will be some time before artificial intelligence (AI) will (if ever) be able to exist alone. There will always be a need for ‘that human touch’.
While AI can streamline services, making businesses more efficient, there are limitations to its ability. Robots are programmed to respond to specific stimuli and don’t have autonomous thought to react to unexpected changes.
Businesses rely on management to drive productivity and efficiency. Successful managers learn the motivations of their employees and deliver support in a way that suits them.
Every business suffers daily disruption, from clients changing deadlines to external social factors affecting budgets. During these interruptions, human reasoning and interpersonal skills are essential to ensure quick resolutions, communicate important changes and manage brand reputations.
As the face of modern working continues to shift, with increasing flexibility like remote working and a diverse workforce, managers with a track record of driving employee productivity will be in high demand.
Candidates able to coordinate and deliver projects to schedule in the future workplace will be rewarded in their salary, with project management courses among the most lucrative available, according to a recent survey.
Cybersecurity skills in demand
Cyber attacks remain one of the largest threats to businesses, with a single attack able to damage vital systems, cause thousands of pounds in lost productivity and irreparably tarnish a company’s reputation.
Online threats are also becoming increasingly more complex, difficult to detect and are now using different entry points for attack. This means it’s no longer enough for organizations to have just one dedicated IT security specialist. Every staff member needs to play a part.
Future employees must be able to apply knowledge of cybersecurity best practice – including how to spot scam emails and using authentication software to prevent accounts being breached – with those unable to keep pace with online security at risk of being left behind.
Those looking for a dedicated role in cybersecurity will especially benefit from the demand, as the potential cost of successful attacks continues to soar.
A reported 53 percent of organizations currently suffer from a cybersecurity skills shortage, meaning those with the desired skills can take their pick from the best offers in a wide pool of jobs and command higher salaries.
Harnessing the value of data
To put this area of rapid growth into context, it’s important to highlight 90 percent of the world’s data was created in the last two years alone.
As many companies become more digitally-focused and advancements in compression technology continue to increase, this means businesses are now able to store all the data they need.
This is the key to unlocking business growth, with those who can crunch large sets and identify patterns laying the foundation for a more advanced information-led company strategy.
Analysts use data to make informed comments on consumer behaviors and buying habits, allowing businesses to streamline their sales and marketing strategies directly to a consumer’s needs
However, these skills are no longer simply reserved for data scientists, with many industries placing an emphasis on predicting trends and behaviors as a core driver of business function.
Employees trained in analytics will enjoy the pick of a diverse market including creative marketing and product and employee management roles.
The future is tech
For years it’s been claimed automation will damage the job market, however, the rise of AI is more likely to simply see a shift in the types of work people are doing.
While industries like manufacturing and transport are bracing themselves, the savings made by corporations as a result of efficient automation are expected to be reinvested, creating a net rise in jobs.
In fact, a recent study found 80 percent of companies that implemented AI ended up creating more positions than they eliminated.
Technologies like quantum computing and hybrid cloud are set to revolutionize the future workplace, making flexible working and fluid company scalability a reality. For employees, this means adaptability and a versatile IT skillset will be desirable assets for a successful career.
There are plenty of helpful online courses available for all levels of employees – from foundation level to expert – to help candidates equip themselves for the future workplace.
About the author: Glyn Roberts is Managing Director of leading IT and business skills training specialist, Global Knowledge, and he believes that people are key to the company’s success. He is committed to creating the right culture and making Global Knowledge a place that values the individual, encouraging ownership, and being clear about strategy in order to link personal endeavor to corporate success.
