Employment industry around the world is set to undergo a paradigm shift in the next five years. No one can make progress without reskilling or upskilling, thanks to the economic impact of covid-19 and the ever-evolving technology. This was the crux of the third edition of the ‘Future of Jobs’ report released by the World Economic Forum. The report maps jobs and skills of the future, tracking the pace of change and direction of travel. But the very technology which ‘kills’ jobs also holds the key to job creation. It will teach us new skills as well.
“We have the tools at our disposal. The bounty of technological innovation which defines our current era can be leveraged to unleash human potential,” says forum’s founder and executive chairman, professor Klaus Schwab.
“We can reskill and upskill employees, protect those who lose their jobs and bring them closer to the jobs reserved for them tomorrow,” he added.
There will be a situation where job opportunities are divided between technology and machines. The forum estimates that by 2025, 85 million jobs will vanish. But even more jobs – 97 million – may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms.
As is the case, the forum has found out the best skillsets you need to have to get a job in 2025. They are divided into four broad categories.
The first is problem-solving. This includes analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, leadership quality, reasoning and ideation.
The second is self-management which includes active learning and resilience. Third is working with people. It encompases leadership and social influence skills.
Technology use and development is the fourth type of skill and it involves use, observation, control, design and programming of technology.
The survey found that 40% of workers may need a period of six months or less for reskilling. 94% of entrepreneurs want employees to acquire new skills. In 2018, it stood at 65%. Number of employers facilitating online study opportunities for workers has increased fivefold.
