Technology has always been a defining factor in how we do our work. And the advent of AI is giving this topic a new twist. How does it affect our work? What new jobs are being created? And how can we prepare for them? These are questions that the World Economic Forum (WEF) has researched. In this article, we share the most important points.
When technology catches up with us.
Due to technology and the rapid developments in it, the world looks completely different than it used to. In many ways, it makes our lives a lot easier. Also those of entrepreneurs like you. All kinds of handy tools help you and your company and take work off your hands. Super handy of course. But what if technology catches up with us? Can we keep up with all those technological developments, when it comes to jobs and employment?
The Future of Jobs Report 2023.
The World Economic Forum investigated what shifts can be seen in the global labor market due to technological advances. In the Future of Jobs Report 2023 you will find the findings of the research. We discuss a few.
Digitalization and automation.
We will indeed see a strong shift towards digitalisation and automation of work. This means that things that used to be on paper will now be on computers or other electronic devices. Think of online instead of physical shopping. Does this mean that physical stores will no longer exist? No. Automation is therefore not necessarily bad news. However, it does require new skills and characteristics of employees in various sectors, so that they keep up with today’s developments.
Technology as a force.
For years we have seen that technological progress leads to economic development. To use the example of online shopping again: without the technology of the internet we would not be shopping online as much. The research shows that this development will continue in the coming 5 years. Almost all companies see the increasing use of new and advanced technologies as the most important trend.
Impact on jobs and employment.
Some technologies, such as AI and big data analytics, are expected to create jobs. Other technologies will lead to job losses. An example of such technologies is the automation of routine tasks, such as answering standard questions and handling (simple) requests by customer service employees. These are already being taken over by chatbots and no longer need to be done by employees. This saves companies time and money. But what can employees do then?
Stay informed through further training.
The skills that really matter are shifting. As an employee, it is smart to move along with this. To be able to keep up with technological developments. The priority of many Dutch companies for the next 5 years is to improve the skills of employees. Especially with further education and training. Their focus is on popular topics such as AI and big data, environmental management, and cybersecurity and networks. The research emphasizes the growing need for skills such as data analysis, AI and cybersecurity. It is also nice if you can think analytically and adapt to new technologies. That is very important for success.
Opportunities for innovation.
Technological progress does not only mean that people lose their jobs and have to improve their skills. It also offers opportunities for innovation. If you embrace these trends as a company, you can be better than your competitors. By working more efficiently and seizing new market opportunities. Young care ZZP’ers who inspire other young people to work in care as care influencers, for example.
Conclusion: it is necessary to move along.
In short, technological progress will have a major impact on the labor market. Just as it always has. The right skills, further training and a proactive approach to these changes are very important. For employees, but also for employers.
