The world is changing, and it's changing fast. Have you heard of the Fourth Industrial Revolution yet? Maybe it's my age, maybe it's the fact my eldest is in secondary school, but this topic has been pre-occupying me more and more recently. Having attended a number of events where this and the Future of Work have been the hot topics of conversation, my blog this month is an attempt to make sense of it all...
We all know that work is changing and that significant changes are forecast over the next 10 years, but for me it’s the pace of change that can be scary at times. I can't predict the future and fully know all the jobs that will exist, but I do see that the hyper-transformation of technology, business models and work, affects all of us. As an HR professional it raises some operational questions about the employment contract, job satisfaction and the role of employers and yet it's also much wider than that. Some of the big questions: what will it mean for our society, our businesses, our governments and our young people - can feel overwhelming at times.
Part of my research for this blog includes recent articles I read from the World Economic Forum (WEF) which argued that the way we acquire the skills needed for jobs will have to change – to allow for perpetual, renewable skills development. These articles imagined a future where education, employers and individuals work together in an entirely new way – through full collaboration thus enabling lifelong and perpetual learning so that everyone can participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
I love a table and the one below from the WEF highlights skills that are declining in importance and those that are growing. I find it fascinating reading, not least because it means that talent management and development will need to be front and centre of the growth strategy for businesses.
But if all this talk of revolutions makes you panic - don't worry! There are some simple ideas that can help you and your business to focus. For example, ask your customers: why are they choosing you? Identify your core business, recognise how you attract and retain your customers and find your niche. From that, your People Strategy will flow. And for help truly harnessing your workers creativity and potential – you know where to come ;)
Part of my research for this blog includes recent articles I read from the World Economic Forum (WEF) which argued that the way we acquire the skills needed for jobs will have to change – to allow for perpetual, renewable skills development. These articles imagined a future where education, employers and individuals work together in an entirely new way – through full collaboration thus enabling lifelong and perpetual learning so that everyone can participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
I love a table and the one below from the WEF highlights skills that are declining in importance and those that are growing. I find it fascinating reading, not least because it means that talent management and development will need to be front and centre of the growth strategy for businesses.
But if all this talk of revolutions makes you panic - don't worry! There are some simple ideas that can help you and your business to focus. For example, ask your customers: why are they choosing you? Identify your core business, recognise how you attract and retain your customers and find your niche. From that, your People Strategy will flow. And for help truly harnessing your workers creativity and potential – you know where to come ;)
