Ready to take on the biggest challenges of 2024?
Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2024 20:08:46 +0000
Workplace trends to watch in 2024
Our professional and personal lives are evolving at an unprecedented pace. And the impact of breakthrough automation, particularly with AI is being felt more keenly than ever. As the rate of change accelerates in 2024, we can expect to see more of the trends that have reshaped our working lives in recent years. Understanding these changes is crucial to thrive in the job market. Here are the key areas you need to focus your efforts on, to take on the challenges of 2024.
Artificial Intelligence and automation
Artificial Intelligence and automation are changing the career landscape for many professions. Robots and machines are gradually replacing employees partially or completely. In many businesses, customer service inquiries are being handled by automated chatbots. This automatically reduces the need for customer support representatives or labour in assembly line businesses.
AI is affecting all primary industries like marketing, media, finance, banking, legal services and more. Sophisticated software is replacing basic bookkeeping in many instances. Meanwhile, banks are employing apps and web pages to perform many banking functions
According to LinkedIn’s The Future of Work Report: AI at Work, November 2023 AI is ushering in a new world of work. In just over the past one year, AI has rapidly become a part of the cultural and business zeitgeist. Here are some key highlights from the report.
– As more and more companies invest in Generative AI (GAI), professionals with advanced degrees, Gen Z, and especially women will see their jobs disrupted at higher rates than other professionals.
– Skills are evolving more quickly than ever, especially for tech pros. The average shelf life of technical skills is five years,” and the average shelf life of deeply technical skills is 2½ years.
– The skills required for many jobs have changed by 25% since 2015 and that number is expected to reach at least 65% by 2030. In part, because of the rapid development of new technologies like generative AI.
– This is especially true for tech pros, whose skills must level up as quickly as the technology itself. This is why, 52% of technology pros update their skills regularly do so every quarter.
Yes, automation will definitely augment human capabilities, leading to more meaningful work and increased productivity. But remember, learning about AI and becoming proficient with automation also means that you understand its limitations. Which means, you can upskill yourself and apply human innovation to gain the competitive edge.
As the market continues to evolve, your job role may change or become redundant. You will need to upskill and adapt to these changes to remain competitive. A popular perspective doing the rounds is that AI can never completely replace jobs. Even if that can be debated, definitely there is a truth in the saying that people who learn to use AI will definitely replace people who can’t. That’s why it is important to reskill so you can navigate these changes and ensure a smooth transition into new roles or industries.
Hybrid-remote work is the new norm
The rise of hybrid-remote work and its impact on the workforce is significant. With advancements in technology and changing attitudes toward work culture, hybrid-remote work has become a viable option for many professionals.
To successfully navigate your career in 2024, you must learn to adapt and develop new skills. Yes, as always, your ability to communicate effectively, manage your time and deadlines, master self-discipline and show empathy are crucial. Additionally, you must put in extra effort to build relationships and maintain communication with your colleagues and managers if you work remotely. People who have mastered the art of balancing the flexibility of remote work with the need for constant communication and upgrading skills, will definitely thrive in this new world order.
The rise of EDI – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
No longer just a buzzword, EDI has become essential in the workplace today. In 2024, its significance will continue to increase in the job market. Businesses too have started placing an emphasis on recruiting a diverse workforce. They understand that it brings in fresh perspectives, fosters innovation, earns customer approval, and definitely adds to the bottom line.
So, what can you do to embrace EDI in the workplace? You can take the lead in acquiring the knowledge on the importance of diversity and inclusion. This could range from attending training workshops, reading books on the subject, breaking out of silos, networking with professionals from other backgrounds and engaging in conversations. You can also review your organization’s guiding principles and policies to ensure they are inclusive and focus on EDI. If not, get active in seeking out job openings with a focus on EDI. This includes getting a good understanding of the recruitment process, and ongoing training opportunities.
Upskilling and continuous learning
As technology continues to revolutionize the job market, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and developments in your field. Anywhere that automated processes can be used, they can easily replace jobs requiring manual, repetitive tasks. As a natural progression, employers across industries, are also shifting from traditional credential-based hiring to skills-based hiring.
Today, the demand for professionals skilled in managing and utilizing technology is growing, especially those involving cybersecurity experts, software developers and data analysts. In addition, automation and AI are also creating the demand for new job roles focused on the creation and maintenance of automated systems.
This means more opportunities for automation specialists, robotics engineers and such. All the more reason, why continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial for you to remain relevant in the job market. You can be intentional and upgrading, look out for online courses and grab every opportunity to upgrade your credentials constantly. It is more important than ever to acquire the necessary edge to navigate the changing job market today.
In conclusion, the workplace of 2024 will be shaped by a combination of technological advancements, changing work arrangements, and a greater emphasis on ongoing education and training to keep your skills up-to-date. Staying informed about these trends and embracing them will lead you to thrive and rise in the new agile, innovative, and inclusive future of work in 2024.
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