To keep your career on track, you must pay attention to emerging trends. Many businesses are also trying to predict how the nature of work will evolve in the coming years.
New technologies and COVID-19 have caused dramatic changes in the global economy. Many employees discovered they like working from home, and the focus is growing on subjects like sustainability, inclusiveness, and digital transformation.
Rapid changes are likely to continue. More than 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet, according to a 2020 research report from the Society for Human Resource Management.
If you’re trying to figure out what this means, it may help to know what world leaders and business executives are saying. Look at a few major discussion topics at Davos's most recent World Economic Forum meeting.
Increasing Engagement:
Social media is teeming with talk about quiet quitting and Bare Minimum Monday. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 60% of employees are emotionally detached. Protect your health and happiness by taking steps to make your work meaningful.
- Clarify your values. When deciding where to work, remember that many factors besides salary matter. Explore the culture. Know your priorities, and make sure the company’s beliefs align with yours.
- Connect with the mission. Surveys show that most employees are unfamiliar with their company’s mission. Study your organization’s vision and purpose. Find areas of common ground with your own personal goals.
- Build relationships. Your interactions with your boss and coworkers greatly impact your job satisfaction. Communicate openly, and work collaboratively.
- Seek balance. Prevent burnout by practicing self-care and pursuing interests outside of work. Avoid excessive overtime, and disconnect when you go home.
Focusing On Skills:
In today's rapidly changing job market, it's becoming increasingly common for companies to report a shortage of skilled workers and difficulty filling certain positions. This may be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of qualified candidates, a skills gap, or a rapidly evolving industry that requires a unique set of skills. In addition, with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, many tasks that were once the responsibility of knowledge workers are now being automated, leaving many workers feeling uncertain about the security of their jobs. In light of these challenges, it's more important than ever to stay up to date with the latest skills and industry trends. This may involve taking courses or attending workshops to learn new skills, networking with professionals in your field, or seeking out mentorship opportunities. By staying ahead of the curve and continuously developing your skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your current or future company and ensure your long-term success in business.
- Continue learning. Your personal and professional development depends on lifelong learning. Take courses online, and sign up for training programs at work. Read books, and talk with others about their areas of expertise.
- Find a mentor. Do you need help identifying and correcting weaknesses that are holding you back? A trusted and experienced adviser can provide guidance and encouragement.
- Gather feedback. Ask your coworkers to critique your work. Pay attention to your performance reviews. Thank others for their input, and use it to do your job more efficiently and effectively.
- Read job listings. You can learn much from want ads even when you’re not actively searching for a new position. See who is hiring and what qualifications are in demand.
Practicing Inclusiveness:
Davos also spotlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion, citing how recent global shocks have exacerbated discrimination and inequality. Do your part to empower others and yourself.
- Recognize implicit bias. Discovering your unconscious assumptions is the first step in overcoming them. Try looking at situations from the perspective of someone with a different background.
- Communicate mindfully. Demonstrate respect and empathy. Use language that is easy to understand and free from stereotypes. Give others your full attention when they speak.
- Advocate for change. Support actions that make your workplace more welcoming. Participate in cultural competency training sessions and inclusion councils. Suggest creative ways to celebrate diversity.
- Keep practicing. Inclusiveness requires ongoing effort. Be patient with yourself, and learn from each new challenge.
The future of work is a topic that has been the focus of much discussion in recent years, and understandably so. While it is impossible to predict exactly what the future will hold, there are steps that you can take to prepare yourself for success. One such step is to design a career that is not only fulfilling but also adaptable to the changing needs of the job market. This can be achieved through a combination of acquiring new skills and collaborating with others in your field. By doing so, you can position yourself to be a valuable asset to any employer and ensure that you remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market.
