Digital transformation is picking up speed, and so are changes in the labor market. We are talking about jobs of the future, but it is already clear that the demand for skills in the area of technology, robotization, data analysis and artificial intelligence is huge.  Soft skills are also growing in value as they (at least for now) can’t be replaced by automation.

The future is today – this saying captures perfectly the changes that have been taking place in the labor market. Rapid digital transformation forces organizations to implement strategic modifications to the management model, leading to the digitalization of processes, which in turn require new skills. For employees this means one thing – they need to learn fast and be flexible, which are two abilities that are necessary to keep up with the changes. Otherwise, it will not be technology and artificial intelligence that will be a threat to them, but their own inability to use them.

5 crucial skills of the future that you should learn today.

Digital competence

This is where it all begins. As we have already discussed in our last piece about digital transformation, today the ability to use digital tools and solutions is crucial, and it won’t be an exaggeration to say that this statement applies to nearly all sectors. It is difficult to imagine how one would go about their daily duties at work without using instant messengers, apps and online tools, which are not only a way of exchanging data electronically, but also ready-to-use solutions that improve the efficiency of work. Digital competences also include the ability to create digital content, coding, as well as a good grasp on cybersecurity issues.

The growing demand for new digital competences makes it necessary for employees and employers alike to learn and stay open to new technologies. Training addressing those competences is the responsibility of both groups. For employers, offering support in learning is an important element of employer branding which builds manager engagement and improves job satisfaction. Creating ways to grow is also an element of one of the top trends, namely building an inclusive workplace.

Agility

Lately, this ability is all we have been hearing about. This term comes from the Agile methodology and describes the ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment. This philosophy values taking action and responding to a changing business environment over having a plan. The increased demand for “agility” brought about an interesting phenomenon in the labor market – organizations have started looking for managers adept at flexible project management, as well as Agile experts.

AI

Artificial intelligence has long since stopped being only the stuff of science fiction. We can see it making a tangible impact on our lives, offering real solutions which a few years ago would have been difficult to imagine. On the other hand, we worry that artificial intelligence will take our jobs. However, AI still needs the human factor. It needs experts who create code for artificial intelligence and go on developing it, managers who make sure that artificial intelligence is used across organizations to improve business efficiency, as well as a host of employees who use tools offered by AI in their everyday work.  Contrary to popular belief, artificial intelligence is not the greatest threat to employees; the inability to use it is.

Analytics

Both the digitalization of processes, as well as agile management of them using AI require analytical skills. Unification of IT solutions makes data analysis even more important today than coding. To navigate successfully (with agility) the world of Big Data, you need something more – analytical thinking, a good grasp of mathematical concepts and basic statistics, data visualization, as well as storytelling, which will translate data into stories that will be convincing to your boss or client.

Soft skills

The authors of the report “Workplace Learning Trends” by UDEMY indicated 3 most crucial business skills of 2023, namely communication, project management and leadership. What are the conclusions? This skill set shows that the line between hard operational skills and soft interpersonal skills has become increasingly blurred.  In turns out that the latter, underappreciated and marginalized for years, today are the key to successful teamwork and effective combination of technology and technical knowledge with the potential of individual team members.

Though still a source of concern, rapid digitalization requires action. Employees and employers have a common goal – to help the organization and its resources to ease into the new reality. This is an opportunity for both groups to develop new skills and discover their potential, gaining an edge over competitors in the future. And this means that they have to be agile today.