Analytical thinking, hand in hand with innovation, is the main focus of interest on the table today to evolve productively
Much has been discussed about the performance of machines in the workplace and the role of human beings in an ever-evolving technological world. Although technology continues to grow and provides many lucrative job opportunities, it is also making the sector increasingly competitive as more talented professionals enter in search of long-term careers. Due to this increased competition, it is critical that candidates distinguish themselves by completing the necessary training the top recruiters look for in their new hires. This also involves more nuanced attributes, such as thinking analytically and innovation which are key skills for future jobs.
Giving this a more clear picture is “The Future of Jobs Report”, a 2020 study by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Not only does it map out what the jobs and skills of the future will be, but it also takes into account the effect it will have. The study takes into consideration, for example, two major transformations that are currently being faced and that will greatly influence the future of jobs: the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the increasing automation that is transforming the modern workplace. This is a ‘double shock’ in the future of jobs, says WEF.
The great economic impact that this healthcare crisis has brought has made it necessary to automate processes in order to adapt and innovate. In fact, this report projects that within five years, around 85 million jobs will be transformed due to a change in the division of labour between humans and machines.
We face a disruptive moment in history; the implementation of technologies has undoubtedly played a fundamental role in maintaining business competitiveness. Business intelligence and analytics have allowed industries in all sectors to learn more about their clients, giving them the necessary insights to adjust their products and services to the new needs that exist today. Which makes analytical thinking vital to adapt to the future and deliver the expected fruits and better methods. Employers will prefer candidates who can think critically, observe and collect data, and then use it to develop a critical-thinking process that addresses issues and leads to innovative solutions. This characteristic is especially important in the technology sector that demands analytical thinking and innovation at multiple levels. Candidates with a proven track record of success through analytical thinking can stand out from the crowd.
Based on the 2020 report, it can be surmised that jobs, as we know them today, will evolve hand in hand with technology just as they have done over the years. This is not something new. We should not fear this change, but we must take action. Methodical tasks and processes being simplified thanks to automated solutions will leave us time to develop new skills and upgrade our knowledge. Technological education is fundamental for the professionals of the future.
There are tasks where human beings will retain the comparative advantage. These include advising, communicating, interacting, decision-making, reasoning and managing. The demand for workers who can fill green-economy jobs will surge, just like roles at the forefront of the data and artificial intelligence economy, and new roles in engineering, cloud computing, and product development. But for those individuals who are set to remain glued to their roles for the next five years, nearly 50 percent will need reskilling their core skills.
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The key takeaway from this report is that employers and employees alike should prepare for these advances. The great benefit of rising automation, according to the study, is that an estimated 97 million new jobs could emerge that are better suited to the new division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms.
Analytical thinking, hand in hand with innovation, is the main focus of interest on the table today to evolve productively. And to achieve this successfully, it is essential to retrain employees and equip them with new skills.
Being able to promote the need to develop this analytical thinking among business leaders, communities and governments are essential to have a greater chance of correcting the decisions that are made. Daring, applying and adapting to the new and demanding challenges that changing work environments will bring us is the main focus of interest and a challenge that businesses will see in the coming years.
As WEF concludes, “We have the means to retrain and upgrade people in unprecedented numbers, to deploy safety nets to protect displaced workers from destitution, and to create maps to guide displaced workers to the jobs of tomorrow where they can thrive.”
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