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Today the unemployment rate is low – but many of the unemployed are mismatched for the skills needed and jobs unfulfilled. Current education is not meeting employers’ needs. This will become a more serious problem as automation inevitably takes over a large spectrum of jobs, including those done at least partially by many categories of knowledge workers.

How must the focus of our education change in order to meet needs of both employers and workers now and in the future that is coming sooner than we may realize? This is a question that affects not only the young generations, but also people of all ages and generations who want to stay relevant and continue to work. Pew Research Center, together with Elon University, surveyed 1,408 people working in technology and education for their thoughts and suggestions. Here are some notable ones as reported in the New York Times by Claire Cain Miller (May 4, 2017).

• In school, the most important thing people can learn is how to learn. Then they will have to become continuous learners.
• Learning special skills will occur on the job. (Uta Russman, professor of Communications, FHWein University of Applied Sciences, Vienna). Employers will value apprenticeships and on-demand trainings at workplaces.
• Traits that machines can’t easily replicate – such as creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability – will have to be taught in schools, not an easy task. Already employers have been complaining that current young workers lack these traits and skills.
• “Many of the ‘skills’ that will be needed are similar to personality characteristics like curiosity or social skills that require enculturation to take hold.” (Stowe Boyd, managing director, Another Voice)
• Residential colleges and in-person classes are more valuable than ever as jobs relatively safe (for now) from automation require higher education and skills fostered by living with other students... ”Close proximity stimulates real compassion, empathy, vulnerability and social emotional Intelligence.” (Frank Elavsky, data and policy analyst at Acumen.
• Resumes will be less important than portfolios of work which demonstrate skills.
• People will have to take initiative to find their own professional and career development rather than expect employers to provide it. They will need to figure out what they need for their goals and seek out certificates, badges and online courses.
• “The question isn’t how to train people for nonexistent jobs. It’s how to share wealth in a world where we don’t need most people to work.” (Nathaniel Borenstein, chief scientist at Mimecast).

The last could be a depressing thought for a lot of people. What will people do with themselves without work? Please share your thoughts with us to pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com

-        Would you find life fulfilling without work (paid or volunteer work)?

-        Would you be left seeking purpose?

-        What kinds of work do you think will still exist for humans in your lifetime?

This deserves a serious and compelling conversation. Let’s start it now!

Phyllis

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot 2017.

* The generational chronology for easy reference: Generations are defined by the similar formative influences – social, cultural, political, economic – that existed as the individuals of particular birth cohorts were growing up. Given that premise, the age breakdowns for each of the four generations currently in the workplace are approximately:

Learn about our *Generational Wisdom for Mentors and Mentees* programs as well as multi-generational team facilitation. Call 212-593-1549 or e-mail pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com.

For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational challenges for and among 4 generations in the workplace and maximizing the potential of young professionals, call or email Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549 or pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com

Phyllis is available to speak at your organization or at firm retreats on inter-generational relations and organizational effectiveness topics. Call or e-mail for a list of topics or to custom-tailor your own.