Changes in the world of work Research the labour market
It can feel overwhelming to think about all the ways the labour market might change in the future. Here are some important trends affecting labour markets, careers, and ways of working.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are advancing rapidly. Routine tasks are increasingly being automated, leading to shifts in job roles and skill requirements.
Business leaders are recognising that candidates who are adept at leveraging GenAI technologies are poised to gain a significant competitive edge.
Naomi Gaston, PwC
In the UK, around 60% of jobs might be exposed to AI. In most cases, AI will supplement and boost the productivity of jobs, rather than replace them. Generative AI is expected to increase the quality of jobs, reducing work intensity and promoting autonomy.
AI is most likely to have a negative impact on clerical roles, entry-level roles, and workers who struggle to adapt to changing technology (IMF, 2024).
As machines take on more repetitive tasks, there's a growing emphasis on human-centric skills. This includes skills like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and complex decision-making. Adapt by leveraging these human abilities and upskilling. Embrace new technology as a tool for collaboration and innovation.
Have a look at this eLearning on understanding new technologies.
Sustainability and 'green' careers
The ‘green economy’ will continue to grow alongside the need for climate action. Careers related to low carbon, renewable energy, agriculture, and environmental protection are rapidly expanding. Alongside these ‘green jobs’, there’s also demand in the sector for a wide range of business functions – from HR and finance professionals, to project managers and lawyers.
In this webinar, The Future is Green: Insights into sustainable career pathways, experts discuss career journeys, opportunities, and the skills you need in the world of green careers and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable planet.
Every job has the potential to become ‘green’ as the world moves to combat climate change, and there are a huge range of skills which will support the transition to a net zero economy.
Green Jobs Taskforce report 2021
Lots of employers are trying to embrace sustainability in the workplace. This is sometimes called ‘greenifying’. Traditional roles across sectors like banking, education, and law are being redesigned with a stronger green focus. Some employers now ask candidates to demonstrate ‘green skills’ on their applications.
In this employer panel discussion, you can hear from leading employers from law to retail on what programmes they have in place and how they are setting sustainability goals for the future.
You may also want to explore free learning on OpenLearn's sustainability hub.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion
Employers are increasingly aware of the benefits of inclusive workplaces. Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are influencing recruitment practice, company culture, training and development, and wider work policies. Learn more about Equality and diversity in the workplace.
Flexible working
Flexible and home working increased significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The future of home working in the UK looks mixed. There’s an emerging preference for ‘hybrid’ working where employees split their work between home and the workplace.
The gig economy
The ‘gig economy’ refers to a way of working based on people having temporary jobs or doing separate pieces of paid work, rather than working permanently for a single employer. This includes short-term contracts and freelance work.
The gig economy has seen significant growth in the UK. An estimated 5 million people working in it, though only a fifth of those see it as their main source of income. Gig work is often used to supplement income on top of a permanent job.
Many people value the flexibility of gig work. However, gig workers often have less statutory rights than employees, such as the right to paid sick leave and pension contributions. They also tend to lack job security and a consistent income. Employment rights in the gig economy are subject to ongoing debate in the UK
