Advancement in communication technologies is not only changing the way we work and the spaces we have been working in, but it is also overhauling the nature of the work we will be doing in future. In addition, the accelerated development of AI systems, robots, and cognitive technologies will play an integral and dynamic-changing role in the offices of tomorrow.

With the potential to foster innovation, reduce costs and increase productivity, these tech interventions will surely become a part of the future workforce.

Influence of Technology On the Workspace Of Tomorrow

While many companies are investing heavily in automation and AI, there is a general worry amongst certain groups that it will lead to increased unemployment. I certainly don’t think so. I believe that the Industry 4.0 revolution will create more jobs for us, with a small caveat though. Caveat: We, humans, need to upgrade our human skills or non-cognitive skills now and more than ever before to remain marketable and in demand.

Every AI or robot is designed to solve a problem to make our lives easier and more convenient. Understanding our problems require us to exercise our empathy skills which is extremely difficult for an AI to perform. Hence, empathy, which is a non-cognitive skill, will be greatly needed for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. 

Moreover, there are many other jobs that require high levels of emotional and social intelligence, such as nursing, caregiving, teaching, and therapy. It will be difficult, though not impossible, for robots to break into these sectors. 

Non-Cognitive Skills for a Successful Career in Today’s and Tomorrow’s Job Market

In an AI-enabled future, it will take more than good grades to be hired by a company. It will take more than being just technically apt to grow in your career. You will have to go the extra mile to nurture your soft skills (a.k.a non-cognitive skills) to stay relevant and employable. 

Long gone are the days when an employee was hired purely based on his or her academic achievements. Now, candidates are tested more on their non-cognitive skills such as: How the person remains motivated and calm when facing challenges and adversity. How the person leads a team. How quickly can the person network and build new relationships? How does the person tell a story (because PowerPoint presentations are so 2015)?

All these are non-cognitive skills that employers are looking for while filling up vacancies. Of course, you are not born with all these skills, but the good news is that these skills can be developed.

Since robots are our new competition, we too have to keep upgrading our software (skills) to ensure that our skills don’t become obsolete. Are you then ready for the jobs of tomorrow? 

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