Are robots going to take over your job?

Automation is Voldermort: the terrifying force nobody is willing to name – Jerry Michalski, Founder of Rex, The Relationship Economy Expedition

Experts all agree on one thing, that robotics and artificial intelligence will permeate wide segments of daily life by 2025 – Al, Robotics and the Future of Jobs, Pew Research Centre.

What they don’t agree on is how this technology is going to impact on jobs. In the Pew Research Centre report, half of the experts envisaged a future in which this technology will have displaced significant numbers of both white and blue colour workers.  The other half, expect that technology will simply mean a change in the type of jobs performed by humans.

What the report does not cover is the impact of outsourcing and offshoring and the on-demand workforce. The trend of outsourcing and the on-demand workforce is happening right now.

When taking out outsourcing, I’m not talking in a way that most people think of outsourcing, namely call centres and those irritating sales calls you receive.  This trend runs deeper than people realise and is quite extensive.  For example, accounting firms’ outsource their services overseas, such as India. You go to an Australian based accounting firm that sends your file overseas and you as a client are unaware that this is even happening to your tax file, or bookkeeping job.  Any job that is office based, from assistants, accountants, software developers and editors, all of this work can be and is increasingly being outsourced.

The other major trend, which is not a new phenomenon, is the on-demand workforce.  Deloitte University Press published the Global Human Capital Trends 2015 report, which included an entire section on Workforce on Demand.  The report states that:

‘The on-demand workforce offers companies the ability to tap into extensive networks of innovators, technical experts, and seasoned professionals. To engage and retain them, companies should think broadly about how their HR programs, strategies, and analytics tools could be applied not only to full-time employees, but also to contingent and part-time workers.’

In 2014, a survey was conducted of HR professionals on LinkedIn.  Of the responses 1/3 stated that contingent workers made up to 50% of their workforce and 53% expected this trend to increase.

So no matter how you cut it, there is a tsunami change-taking place right now.

So how do you protect your future?

Identify and tap into future trends:

If you are in a sector that is shrinking due to technology, or outsourcing, you need to either differentiate yourself within an ever-increasing pool of available candidates and an ever-decreasing number of jobs, (and accept declining wages) or identify and get skilled in a growth sector.

Keep in mind, it is not all doom and gloom, it is in fact opportunity.  If you are prepared, you will be in the prime position to tap into growth sectors – think robotics, jobs requiring high level dexterity and intelligence, online technologies and the need to service an ageing population.

Position yourself for ongoing learning and change:

Those that have the capacity to learn new skills will reap the benefits.  Some sectors are going to experience massive growth.  At the moment in Australia, shortages are evident for only 6 professions and 21 trades, however these patterns are likely to change.  So identify professional development opportunities and training that ensures that you are successfully positioned for the change.

Create expert status and an online brand:

Utilise your online status, by mastering individual branding and digital platforms.  In the near future, it is probably no longer viable to simply update a resume and apply for jobs when you decide to move on (or a forced to move on).  Job-hunting is something that is ongoing. Building a personal online brand takes commitment and hard work, but it’s a strategy that lasts forever.  As a professional, manager and executive, you will ultimately have an easier time adapting to changes and a platform for building relationships, if you have an effective online brand.

Time and change won’t stop for anyone.  But if you are willing to change and take ACTION, a bright future does beckon for you (no matter your age)!

Other relevant articles:

Why having an online presence is becoming increasingly important as a job hunter.