Technology is changing at a quicker rate than ever before. It’s bringing great improvements but with it, a changing demand on our current workforce. As we look toward the future, it's evident that the landscape of the workplace skills market is on the brink of significant transformation over the next decade. Currently, many professionals in the UK find themselves in sectors forecasted to experience a decline in demand in the years ahead.
Yet amidst this shifting landscape, a crucial question arises: What specific skills will businesses need to thrive in the evolving job market? This question is not just about speculation; it's essential for strategic planning and future success.
With robotics and AI likely to take away many manual processes in the work environment, Mckinsey Global Initiative latest report suggests that cognitive, social and emotional intelligence alongside upgraded technological skills are set to be the three core areas demanded of human employees skills in the near future.
So what do these areas consist of and how can you prepare?
Technological skills
Technology is likely to become more engrained in our businesses than ever before. Reports estimate there will be a 5% increase in the number of technological skills hours spent in businesses by 2030 from 11% to 16% as digital technologies take over the running of a modern business. There will be a growth in demand for everything from basic to advanced IT skills to data analysis, engineering and research.
Social and emotional intelligence
With more and more practical activities due to be automated by software or robotics, businesses will need to excel in areas that can’t be so easily replaced including so-called ‘soft-skills’. These include your workforce’s ability to communicate, negotiate, empathise, adapt and learn continuously on the job.
Higher Cognitive skills
With Judgement and decision making set to be the number 1 skill in demand in the UK in the next ten years, developing higher cognitive skills in your workforce is key. These include critical thinking, complex information processing and quantitative and statistical analysis. These skills may seem difficult to nurture within your business however, developing a training model around problem and challenge solving may help your workforce to refine and hone these new skills.
So how can your business meet these needs?
You may feel that you’re alone in meeting these changes, however there are various talent development programmes and business support options available to you through your local university.
Recruiting for future technological skills
Hiring software developers, engineers and data scientists is likely to be the norm for growing businesses in the future, so how can you get ahead? Birmingham City University’s School of Computing and Digital Technologies offers access to a variety of capable graduates with experience in working with the world’s leading technology providers from Cisco to Microsoft. Building links with these students through offering placement opportunities or hiring fresh graduates will support you in beginning to nurture talent that could play a key role in your business in the future.
Improving your social and emotional intelligence with tests and certifications
On the job-training and interview tests focused on reviewing emotional intelligence are just two ways your business can monitor and improve its existing ‘soft-skillsets’. The Global Emotional Intelligence Test (GEIT) – based on Goleman’s four quadrant emotional intelligence model, is just one of the assessments you could use within your business.
Birmingham City University’s Graduate+ awards scheme looks to prepare students for this ‘soft-skills’ demand. Running in parallel to their formal classroom learning, the award framework offers opportunities to develop new soft-skills through volunteering opportunities, study abroad activities and extra certifications including Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Don't face the challenges of the evolving job market alone. Take advantage of this opportunity to equip your business with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the digital age. Enquire today to discover how Birmingham City University can support your growth ambitions.
