How will work and jobs change over the next 10-20 years?

Over the next 10 to 20 years, work and jobs are expected to undergo significant transformations driven by technological advancements, shifting societal values, and evolving employee expectations. Here are some key trends and changes anticipated:

Trends Shaping the Future of Work

1. Remote and Hybrid Work: The shift towards remote and hybrid work arrangements is expected to continue, offering employees greater flexibility and work-life balance. This trend requires companies to adapt their cultures and management practices to a digital-first environment14.

2. Skills-Based Hiring and Continuous Learning: With the rapid obsolescence of skills, there will be a greater emphasis on skills-based hiring and continuous learning. Skills like active learning, creativity, critical thinking, and tech savviness will be highly valued12.

3. Automation and AI: Automation and AI will increasingly take over routine tasks, freeing up employees for more complex and creative work. This will require workers to develop skills that complement technology24.

4. Employee Experience and Well-being: There will be a strong focus on enhancing the employee experience, including well-being, engagement, and career development. This includes initiatives like flexible schedules and wellness programs45.

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): DEI will remain a core strategy, evolving to create more inclusive and innovative workplaces1.

Emerging Roles

New roles are emerging to address the changing needs of organizations:

• Organizational Engineer: Focuses on optimizing virtual teams and managing talent transitions1.
• Virtual Culture Architect: Builds and maintains organizational culture in digital environments1.
• AI Ethics Officer: Ensures the ethical use of AI technologies1.
• Data, Talent & Technology Integrator: Combines technology and human skills to design work processes1.

Challenges

Employers will face several challenges:

• Managing Multi-Generational Workforces: Navigating diverse work styles and expectations across generations1.
• Balancing Automation and Human Skills: Finding the right balance between technology and human elements1.
• Cybersecurity in Distributed Work Environments: Ensuring data security in remote work settings1.

Job Creation and Displacement

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, technological advancements will lead to the creation of new jobs equivalent to 14% of current employment, while displacing about 8% of existing jobs3. Growth areas include care economy jobs, education roles, and certain service sector positions.

Overall, the future of work will be characterized by flexibility, technological integration, and a focus on employee well-being and continuous learning.