Work as a concept is more dynamic today than it has ever been. Just under a decade ago, anyone would feel comfortable in their office knowing that income was secured at least until retirement. But this is no longer the case, especially in the face of fast-evolving technology.
While most of the debate around the future of work is tied to the disruptive nature of technology in one way or the other, a Deloitte report says otherwise. In particular, the report noted that technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) only form part of the drivers of change in the future of work.
Changes in the future of work are deeper than the influence of AI
According to the Deloitte report, there are three forces which determine the future of work. Notably, the future of work will be a function of the nature of work which will be available, the kind of workforce which will be involved, and the workplace.
AI and other disruptive technologies come in where the work is involved. For starters, AI is the major agent of automation. The technology will determine what kind of work can be done by machines and which one will rely on human effort. Focusing on this aspect enables one to determine the nature of work.
Having been clear on which work can be automated, it is now easy to tell the kind of work which will be available to humans. Here, it will be possible to decide on what kind of skills are required to do the work. Subsequently, employers will be in the position to decide who to hire. Will there be a need for full-time employees or freelancers working on an hourly basis?
Lastly, the workplace will determine the nature of work in the future. Technological advancements are ongoing and some work might be easily accomplished from home. As the digital revolution unfolds, workplaces will be reshaped as well as the concept of work itself.
Why should you adopt a learning mindset?
According to McKinsey, the reality of digitization is that more and more people are finding themselves being underemployed. A lot more are losing jobs, and this should get worse as time advances.
But while technology is taking away jobs, it is creating many others. However, people who have lost their jobs, or are facing a possible exit from the labor market might not be able to re-enter employment if they stop learning.
As such, it is becoming imperative that you work while you learn to keep your skills in tandem with the changing times. In particular, there are myriads of online platforms which offer comprehensive yet flexible studying opportunities for anyone willing to improve and update their skills. As a plus, most of the study programs are cheaper than attending a brick-and-mortar college.
Leverage technology to your benefit
To be sure, technology is not only disrupting and creating jobs. It gives you an opportunity for you to learn something new and be able to be much more flexible in the labor market. Technology today enables employees to negotiate flexible work arrangements.
As digitization takes root, more employees are finding opportunities like working remotely which enable them to cut down on things like commuting. As such, they can get more time on their hands which they can dedicate to other noble causes.
Also, employers are finding that sticking to flexible work arrangements makes employees more productive and, ultimately, the organization more competitive. But all this begins with the employee keeping an open mind and being ready to learn at every opportunity.