The future of work is changing and both employers and employees need to know to stay ahead of the curve. With technology rapidly evolving, many jobs that were once done by human beings can now be done by machines. This shift has led to a rise in the number of freelancers and contractors, as companies are now more likely to hire workers on a project-by-project basis. Both employers and employees need to be aware of these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly in order to stay competitive in the job market.
In this article we will discuss the latest trends shaping today’s workplace; how new technologies have changed who we work with; and what you can do as an employee or employer if you want your business or career to be successful.
Rise in freelance and contract work
One of the most notable changes in the workplace is the rise in freelance and contract work. According to a study by Upwork and the Freelancers Union, freelancers now make up 35 percent of the U.S. workforce, and that number is expected to grow to 43 percent by 2020. Contract workers are also becoming increasingly common; a study by Deloitte found that the number of contract workers in the United States has grown by more than 60 percent in the past five years.
Increased use of technology in the workplace
Another trend that is shaping the future of work is the increased use of technology. With new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming more widespread, many jobs that were once done by human beings can now be done by machines. This shift has led to a rise in the number of freelancers and contractors for managed IT services, as companies are now more likely to hire workers on a project-by-project basis.
Both employers and employees need to be aware of these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly in order to stay competitive in the job market. In this article we will discuss the latest trends shaping today’s workplace; how new technologies have changed who we work with; and what you can do as an employee or employer if you want your business or career to be successful.
What you can do to stay competitive in the job market
As more companies adopt new technologies, there will be increased competition for jobs. However, if you are prepared with broad transferable skills, have some flexibility about where you work and what type of work you do, and are willing to learn new technologies quickly, you will be in a good position to stay competitive in the job market.
Those who are unable to adapt may find themselves out of work, but history has shown that workers who make the transition successfully can benefit from significant rewards; for example, it is estimated that 12 million Americans were self-employed last year, earning an average of $47,000 per year from their freelance work. There will always be a place for those who are willing to innovate and try new things in the workplace.
What you can do as an employee or employer if you want your business to be successful
If you are looking for a job, it is important to keep your options open and to be flexible about what kind of work you will do. Be prepared to take on an array of tasks that you might not otherwise consider, and focus on developing skills that can be applied across a range of different fields.
For example, if you are a customer service representative looking for a job at a company where employees work remotely, you could benefit from taking courses in web design and content writing.
If you currently work for a company that is using new technologies to replace human workers, look into opportunities to learn these skills on your own time. Many websites offer free or low-cost courses that can help you gain the skills needed to perform tasks like data entry and software development.
Final Thoughts
In order to successfully adapt to this changing workplace, it is important that both employers and employees take a proactive approach. Smart companies will invest in retraining their human workers so they can learn the skills necessary for jobs involving new technologies, while individuals will need to focus on developing a relevant skill set and keeping up with current trends in the industry. While the future of work is still unclear, one thing is certain: those who adapt to these changes will have the best opportunities for success.
