A popular, albeit unsubstantiated, statistic from the US Department of Labor says 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in job types that don’t exist yet. While this number is hard to believe (and even harder to verify), it’s irrefutable that the nature of the workforce is changing.
According to a report from McKinsey in around 60% of all occupations at least one-third of the constituent activities could be automated. Intelligent technologies and machine learning are automating numerous repetitive, mundane, and labour-intensive tasks. The digital transformation of the workplace through these automated processes means human error is minimised and the resources needed for these roles are greatly reduced. By freeing up time and staff, businesses can unlock people’s full potential empowering staff to focus on more strategic work and contribute to the overall development of the company.
Technology’s changing role in the workspace is giving people more access to information while facilitating greater collaboration through online platforms and resources. From the increased ability to work remotely to the increase of specialised skills and the development of new roles within business, technology is changing the modern workforce.
With intelligent technology reshaping how companies operate, employers and HR specialists need to understand the employee of the future. According to William Tincup, President of RecruitingDaily, top-talent candidates need to share the company’s values while being adaptable, willing to grow, highly ambitious, and emotionally intelligent.
In the past, employers would evaluate candidates based on their ability to conform. Nowadays, individuality should be celebrated as each element of uniqueness adds dynamic tapestry of a workforce. And by casting a wider net that is no longer limited by experience, gender, or race, businesses can build diverse workplaces that are better equipped to face future challenges.
In order to attract and retain these treasured employees, businesses need to recognise the value of looking outside their specific industries. The most creative and innovative people may have never considered looking at your industry sector, so companies should be more conscious of the competitive advantage that comes with diversity.
Businesses should invest in diversification through educational and social groups that support LGBTQ, minorities, and women. Companies should also embed diversity within its DNA and make diversity part of every conversation – not just a HR practice. Managers and leaders need to be more conscious of what motivates hiring decision making and rectify old habits that hinder diversity.
The nature of the workforce is changing with the emergence of intelligent technologies. These technologies aren’t removing the need for people in the digital workplace; they are simply changing the way processes are done and automated. This digital shift will create new jobs that require new skills and talents, so businesses must adapt to the workforce transformation now.
If HR professionals are to unlock the creativity and passion of purpose-driven workers, they need to provide workers with the technology and freedom to work confidently. The future of work will be defined by employees finding purpose within their roles while businesses empower staff to create a culture of innovation, diversity, and well-being.
Original article published on Linkedin.
