by Artur Meyster
As we already know, emerging technologies are affecting today’s world, from the way people make phone calls to the way companies operate. With this in mind, it’s vital to say that the chance the working environment will change in the next decade is high.
The tech industry is a fast-growing sector. As a result, the nature of work, working dynamics, and the notion of the workplace are also evolving. Under those circumstances, it’s not a surprise that employees should learn new skills to stay relevant.
Nowadays, employment requirements are higher and competition is just as harsh. In that case, the workforce needs to understand how new technologies are affecting today’s market; workers have to get familiar with new inventions to meet new demands.
The future of work can be uncertain. However, in order to have a clear image of how the future could be, we have to pay attention to what companies need. Given that, here are some aspects of how new technologies will affect the future of work.
Less Manual Tasks (Automation)
Undoubtedly, emerging technologies are changing the nature of work. As a result, these techs are reducing the need to perform several repetitive tasks manually. A few years ago, having automated machines that could help during a product’s development process was unbelievable. But thanks to technologies like machine learning, today it’s possible.
Automation has side effects: Job roles that include only manual tasks are disappearing, fewer candidates will be hired for their manual skills, and more employees will be retained for their creative and strategic thinking skills.
Repetitive tasks are time-consuming. Automation allows workers to focus on more important tasks like solving problems, designing products, and interpreting data. In the future, employers will seek out candidates that can continuously learn new skills. It’s because while the tech industry changes fast, the ability to learn new things will become more valuable.
Generally speaking, specific knowledge will need to be continuously updated, and workers will need to adapt. If you’re versatile and like learning new things, you’ll be able to be part of the world’s next workforce.
Different Working Methods
Automation is not only changing the nature of work but also how work is done. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the manufacturing processes is helping companies to increase productivity. As a result, more companies are using robots to build their products.
On the other hand, AI is not only affecting manufacturing. In fact, it’s also changing the way administrative processes are carried out. For example, when we talk about postal services, years ago it was the postman who delivered the mail. After some time, thanks to the tech market evolution, we are able to use emails. But, nowadays, it’s totally different, AI systems can send and receive emails automatically. Also, mobile developers have built mail apps so customers can use their smartphones to manage their emails.
Given these points, it’s realistic to expect that in the future, more companies are likely to implement the use of robots and automated systems in their processes. As a result, job roles will be redefined, and organizations will need to train their employees to maximize the human-machine effect.
More Remote Employees (Work from Home)
Since new communication platforms allow companies to communicate overseas, remote working has transcended all boundaries. In the same way, it’s important to realize that tech talents have become popular because of their capability to work remotely. For example, tech professionals, like database administrators, Cybersecurity Specialists, and data scientists, are able to work from home. For that reason, they don’t need to waste time moving from their home to their workplace.
Remote work has allowed companies not only to reduce costs but also make their employees happier. While working from home, tech talents can spend more valuable time with their family members. Given that, more and more tech professionals demand remote working benefits.
Additionally, remote work allows companies to hire candidates from any country. They can hire qualified tech professionals that demand lower compensation and benefits. In other words, remote working enables organizations to achieve their goals in a cost-efficient way.
While the tech market continues to grow, and new technologies are being created, remote working will be essential for companies to run. With this in mind, it’s important to realize that if you can work remotely, you have one step into the future. Otherwise, if you are not able to work remotely, your job role will probably be displaced, and you’ll need to change careers.
Given these points, enrolling in a coding bootcamp is an excellent choice to be ready for future challenges. Springboard is a company that offers courses in fields like UX design, data analytics, and software engineering. Their part-time programs allow you to learn enterprise-level skills in only six months.
Also, the company allows students to learn from the comfort of their homes as classes are taught online. When joining Springboard’s team, students can receive support from experienced mentors that will help them launch their new tech careers.
Springboard offers several financing options for those who the money can be a barrier. Its financing options are designed to fit students’ needs, from deferred tuition to upfront payment discounts.
Less Physical Infrastructure
With the implementation of cloud computing and remote working, companies have been able to reduce their dependence on physical infrastructure. Decades ago, companies needed large rooms to place their database center. However, thanks to cloud storage, companies have been able to remove their physical database infrastructure.
Nowadays, data is one of the most valuable resources for companies. For that reason, organizations need to keep their information safe. The use of cloud computing services allows companies not only to store their data but also to keep their information safe. As a result, more organizations are using cloud computing services to store their data.
Additionally, while organizations continue hiring more remote workers, the need for physical office infrastructure will be reduced. In fact, in the future, physical office spaces may no longer be needed as everybody will work from home.
Conclusion
As mentioned prior, emerging technologies are reshaping the future of work. They are changing from the way the job is done to where the job is actually done. Given that, it’s crucial to say that learning new tech skills or starting a new tech career will be necessary to be ready for future challenges.
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Artur Meyster is the CTO of Career Karma (YC W19), an online marketplace that matches career switchers with coding bootcamps. He is also the host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, which features people with non-traditional backgrounds who broke into tech. He can be reached on Twitter and LinkedIn.