Will AI Take Over My Role? 

Oceanology International speaks to Becky Conway, CEO of the Hydrographic Society UK and Ireland. In this interview, we discussed some employee research produced by PWC and found answers to pressing questions such as, ‘Will AI take over my role?’, ‘What does continuous development look like?’, and ‘In a nimble world, what do companies need to do to keep talent?’

Becky studied for her postgraduate diploma in Advance Hydrography for Professionals at the University of Portsmouth, got her Master of Ocean & Earth Science Oceanography at the University of Southampton, has worked for Associated British Ports, and was the Hon. Secretary of the Hydrographic Society UK Southern Region back in 2012.  

The workforce of tomorrow is expected to undergo significant changes due to several factors, including advancements in technology, shifting demographics, evolving work patterns, and emerging trends. While it's challenging to predict the future with certainty, here are some potential characteristics and trends that may shape the workforce of tomorrow:

Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automation and AI technologies are likely to continue transforming various industries, leading to changes in job requirements and the nature of work. Repetitive and routine tasks may be automated, while new roles focused on managing and developing AI systems may emerge.

Remote Work and Flexible Arrangements: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and this trend is expected to continue. Many companies are recognising the benefits of remote work, such as increased productivity, reduced costs, and access to a broader talent pool. Flexible work arrangements, including freelancing and gig work, may become more prevalent. 

Skills Evolution: The demand for skills is likely to shift, with a greater emphasis on cognitive abilities, creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Technical skills related to emerging technologies, such as AI, robotics, data science, cybersecurity, and blockchain, are also expected to be in high demand.

Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning and upskilling will become essential for individuals to remain competitive in the evolving job market. As technology advances rapidly, employees will need to adapt and acquire new skills throughout their careers to stay relevant.

Multigenerational Workforce: The workforce will likely comprise multiple generations, including baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z. Each generation may bring unique perspectives, skills, and work preferences, requiring companies to create inclusive environments that accommodate diverse age groups.

Remote Collaboration and Virtual Teams: With remote work becoming more common, collaboration and teamwork will increasingly rely on virtual platforms and tools. Companies will need to adapt their communication and collaboration strategies to facilitate effective teamwork across distributed teams.

Ethical Considerations and Social Impact: As technology continues to advance, ethical considerations will play a crucial role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Issues related to privacy, data security, algorithmic bias, and social impact will require thoughtful approaches and regulatory frameworks.

Green Economy and Sustainability: The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness will likely lead to an increased focus on green jobs and the integration of sustainable practises into various industries. Clean energy, renewable resources, and sustainable development may drive job creation.

It's important to note that while these trends provide some insights, the future of the workforce will be influenced by numerous factors, and unexpected developments may also shape the landscape in ways that are challenging to anticipate.