by Clare Parkes

Work is changing. It’s a reality that governments, industries and communities are all grappling with and this affects us all because ‘the future’ is already here. With the rise of skilled workers, a higher participation rate from women, the influence of technology on automation of jobs and the globalisation of the workforce, we need different skills and capabilities from our existing and future workforce.

Recently, I was lucky enough to be part of a delegate group at Tech Futures Lab with Frances Valintine. The topic was the Future of Education, but it gave me food for thought on so much more!

Amongst the many things I have learnt from my research into this topic, it is clear that New Zealand is ill-equipped to prosper in the current technologically-influenced global market. Greater collaboration and removal of the barriers of distance and bias are essential elements to thrive in this reality. This is not an ‘it’s coming’ story, this is about what’s already in play.

More change than ever

I’ve learnt that in the last two years or so, the world has seen significant change and advancement in technology. Within the next 12 months, we will see the most change, and it will be driven at a pace that has not been seen before. The projected rate of advancement in technology also predicts that AI (artificial intelligence) will out-think the brain by 2045. With the quantum computer being 100 million times faster than the desktop PC; the non-developed world having access to free internet within the next 24 months; and the propensity to create open source code; we are not equipping our future generations and workforce with what they need — and our existing workforce isn’t ready either.

So what does all this have to do with me? I’m truly fascinated by the speed, implications and opportunities that our future presents. As a business owner, mother and someone who is passionate about people and organisations realising their potential; I’m curious to understand the impact it could have on what we might all be doing by then!

The World Economic Forum has declared the Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us. Recent McKinsey’s research shows that we have 30% of our workforce already operating in multiple jobs in short term bursts; and of those they surveyed in traditional jobs, one in six would like to be independent workers. All this is happening whilst we’re still grappling with how to lead, educate and engage our current workforce – how will we be ready for what’s coming?

So here’s my line of thinking so far. I invite you to help me paint the picture by adding your own insights…

• I see a future, not that far away, where the workplace will be significantly different to today’s reality. Our jobs will be created differently; they will be discrete activities to be completed that are relative to the expertise the candidate presents rather than coupling activities together to form a job. We will hire for the inquisitive and curious nature of the workers who can add value no matter how short the burst is that they work for us. Education will focus on developing the cognitive and technology skills for higher value jobs, and every individual will own their learning, having the opportunity to create the best version of themselves.

• Instead of candidates describing themselves in the traditional way such as a Management Accountant, Team Leader or Business Development Manager, we might be presented with Problem Solvers, Collaborators and Solutions Creators. And without bias of industry, previous experience or education, we will engage this new ‘Gig worker’ in a short burst required to support our organisational growth.

• A core group of employees will keep the wheels turning and our leaders will be responsible for ensuring the workers practice their skills in a safe, collaborative, dispersed, diverse and innovative environment that fosters curiosity and growth. Leaders won’t be tied to delivering reports and performance reviews, they won’t be operationally active, and will be allowed the time to foster and nurture the talents in others.

If this is a subject that interests you and you’d like to share your thoughts, drop me a line on clare@beyondperformance.co.nz or add your thoughts on our LinkedIn Page