The Future of Work
Jobs that Could be Automated in the Future
The future of work means that individuals and organizations are moving away from a classic model of employment where most careers tend to follow a certain path, to a new world of technology. This new world is characterized by remote or virtual workplaces; expansive connectedness and instant communication; an age-diverse workforce; a shift from lifelong careers in one company to one that focuses on a contract-based and open talent economy; and artificial intelligence and automation or machines replacing humans in certain jobs and workforce. Automation, digital advances, and AI will take away several jobs and change how individuals work. Straightforward and repetitive jobs are at an increased risk of being automated. Forbes claims that more than 1 million knowledge-work jobs will be replaced in 2020 by machine-learning-based decision management, chatbots, virtual agents, and software robotics (Press, 2019).
Production roles like packers, sorters, and assembly line workers, which are based on completing simple, rote tasks in a repeated manner, are first in line for robotics, and some of these jobs have already been lost to machines. Robots excel in repetition since they can indulge in the job 24/7, without lights, and with high accuracy levels and no weariness. Repetitive data work, such as administrative assistants, data entry, database management, and payroll, are also defined functions that can be included in the automated software program. Basic customer service jobs like cashier and waitress, though requiring human interaction, are considered straightforward and do not require expertise for consumers to choose from (Forbes Technology Service, 2019).
Jobs Resistant to Automation
Some of the jobs that are highly resistant to automation include healthcare providers, professionals like analysts, scientists, engineers, and accountants, executives, and managers whose jobs cannot easily be replaced by machines, IT professionals and other specialists in technology, educators, particularly those in emerging economies with young populations, builders and related professions, especially in the scenario that entails higher investments in buildings and infrastructure, service and manual jobs in unpredictable environments like gardeners and home-health aides as well as creatives industry involving entertainers, performers and artists who will be in increasing demand as more income generates more demand for recreation and leisure (Manyika et al., 2017).
In particular, AI and computers can never replace healthcare and service jobs that require empathy. A machine is incapable of forming an emotional connection with people, and a skill like empathy is of great importance in fields like healthcare, particularly among nursing practitioners and counselors. Given that Kerasidou (2020) outlines the need for trust, compassion, and empathy in the relational and patient-centered model of healthcare, some healthcare practitioners cannot be replaced by AI. Furthermore, creative fields involving executive leadership, performers, and teachers cannot be automated. Given that every student is motivated differently, a robot would not be able to connect well enough with the student and recognize their weaknesses, strengths, and motivators. A robot’s painting, song, or poem cannot be considered an art, and it would also be difficult for a robot to capture the human nuances of major news events.
How Automation Will Impact How We Work
Automation and continued technological advances will have an immense impact on the manner in which individuals work. With AI, there will be less focus on sorting and going through documents and more focus on high-value tasks. Such tasks include critical thinking, creativity, connection with clients or coworkers, coaching, developing new strategies, and generating action plans. For instance, Kerasidou (2020) claims that technology promises increased efficiency and increased free time for healthcare professionals to concentrate on the human side of care, such as fostering trust relationships and engaging with patients with compassion and empathy. Automation will also increase productivity as individuals will need to stay up to date and learn new and relevant skills that will ensure that employees remain resilient and adaptable to technological advances. Automation will also increase flexibility in the workplace in terms of work-life balance and the number of jobs one can perform. Lastly, automation will increase the need for digital workplaces. Employees will be increasingly connected digitally, and more people will be able to work from their homes (de San Jose, 2019).
Employability Skills
Whereas AI and computers will take away several jobs performed by humans, employers will need individuals with uniquely human skills like productivity, communication, and agility. Humans have the emotions and empathy needed to develop social and self-awareness. This is the reason why these skills will forever be an asset in the workforce. Employees without a self and social awareness have difficulty working with others during adversity and often allow their shortcomings and emotions to cloud their judgment. A self and socially aware individual is more professionally attractive to future employers and can make a stronger team member and coworker. Self-awareness is among the five major emotional intelligence components and is a skill that greatly distinguishes great leaders from good leaders (Swerdlow, 2017). Self-awareness will enable one to decide how to spend their time, handle emotions at work, and decide their next career step, hence on high demand.
References
Forbes Technology Service. (2019, May 1). Tech Experts Predict 13 Jobs That Will Be Automated By 2030. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/03/01/tech-experts-predict-13-jobs-that-will-be-automated-by-2030/?sh=48c115fa22bf
Kerasidou, A. (2020). Artificial intelligence and the ongoing need for empathy, compassion, and trust in healthcare. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 98(4), 245.
Manyika, J., Lund, S., Chui, M., Bughin, J., Woetzel, J., Batra, P., … & Sanghvi, S. (2017). What the future of work will mean for jobs, skills, and wages. McKinsey Global Institute.
Press, G. (2019). 2020 Predictions about automation and the future of work from Forrester. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/gilpress/2019/10/30/2020-predictions-about-automation-and-the-future-ofwork-from-forrester/#1e45d2511318
de San Jose, C.A. (2019, December 13). Future Of Work: 20 Ways Work Will Change In 2020. The future of Work. Retrieved from https://allwork.space/2019/12/future-of-work-20-ways-work-will-change-in-2020/
Swerdlow, D. (2017, July 12). The Number One Career and Life Skill You Need to Develop. Idealist. Retrieved from https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/number-one-career-life-skill?_ga=2.21712450
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Question 
The Future of Work
Assessment 1 Instructions: The Future of Work
Write a 2-3-page essay that examines the future of work and the key skills and behaviors necessary for succeeding in the evolving workplace.
Introduction
The jobs of today look very different from the jobs our parents had. Whether you work in a cubicle or on a construction site, technology has changed—and is continuing to change—the ways we connect, communicate and create in our careers. In the past, a college degree was enough to set you up for professional success. Today, employers want job candidates who also have the right skills to succeed.
That is why Capella partnered with top employers, business leaders, and recruiters to identify 10 skills that are critical to performing your best—not just in one field but across all industries. These are skills that will prepare you for the needs of any future employer and set you up for success in a world that is constantly evolving. In this course, you will learn how these 10 skills will help you reach your professional dreams, and you will discover how you can use these same skills right now to achieve your personal and academic goals.
What are these skills? Whether you are here for a job, for a promotion, for personal enrichment, or for realizing a different dream, these skills can work to help you meet your personal, academic, and professional goals.
- Self and Social Awareness is the ability to understand your personal strengths and limitations, and how your
behaviors impact others. - Technology is the ability to confidently and effectively use technologies to be productive, complete goals and
tasks, and maintain a competitive advantage. - Productivity is the ability to strategize, organize, and plan to effectively and efficiently manage priorities and
time. - Initiative is the ability to see what needs to be done and to take action without being prompted to improve a
circumstance or create a new one. - Results Driven is the ability to act with a sense of urgency and focus to reach outcomes and goals, without
compromising integrity and quality. - Communication is the ability to actively seek and deliver information, articulate ideas, effectively listen, and
connect to various audiences, settings, and situations. - Relationship Building refers to the ability to effectively work with others and establish, cultivate, and leverage
networks over time. - Problem-solving is the ability to identify and frame problems, explore ideas, and create effective, ethical, and
evidence-based solutions. - Innovation is the ability to creatively think and generate original or unique ideas and solutions outside of
routine perspectives. - Agility refers to the ability to embrace change and effectively adapt in a continually changing environment to
achieve desired results.
The 10 Skills Table media will help you get to know the 10 employability skills discussed in this course. You will find a definition for each skill and why each skill matters for the future of work. This course will examine each of these skills and show you how to apply them in your professional and personal life. You will identify areas of strengths and areas that need improvement, and you will create a plan to continue developing these skills after this course ends.
Overview
What do we mean when we discuss the future of work? We are moving away from the classic employment model: you are hired full-time and work 40-hour weeks, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at a desk in an office with your fellow employees. The future of work is really happening now. You may remember learning about the industrial revolutions of the past and their impact on the economy and the nature of work. Today we are in the fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. This new world of technology is characterized by:
- Instant communication and connectedness.
- Virtual/remote workspaces.
- Age-diverse workforce.
- Move away from lifelong careers at a single company, and more of an open talent economy.
- AI and automation, or machines taking over some workforce tasks and jobs.
In this assessment, you will examine the future of work and the key skills and behaviors necessary for succeeding in the evolving workplace.
Preparation
Review the resources for this assessment. Use the Capella University Library to locate at least one article or book
that discusses the skills and aptitudes needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
Instructions
For this assessment:
- Write a 2-3-page essay that addresses the following questions:
- What types of jobs will most likely be automated in the future?
- What types of jobs are more resistant to automation and why?
- How will automation and continued technological advances impact how you work?
- Why one or more of the employability skills (such as self and social awareness or agility) are essential
for remaining competitive in the 21st-century workplace? Explain.
Additional Requirements
The Future of Work
Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
- Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall
message. - APA formatting: Citations should be formatted according to current APA Style and Format guidelines.
- References: Your assessment should include at least two credible references. One of these references should
be obtained from the Capella Library. - Length: 2-3 pages of text, excluding the title and reference page.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies
through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Describe the importance and impact of key skills and behaviors that are necessary for success
in the future of work.
Describe the influence of automation in the 21st-century workforce.
Explain how automation and technological advances affect the nature of work. - Competency 3: Develop skills to support a successful learning experience and career.
Explain why employability skills are essential for remaining competitive in the 21st-century workplace. - Competency 4: Compose text that articulates meaning relevant to its purpose and audience.
Write coherently with correct grammar, usage, mechanics, and citation of sources.