An organisation is like an island. The ‘weather’ can be windy, sunny, stormy and cloudy. Sometimes, these types of organisational weather can occur and overlap simultaneously. In order for the organisation to survive, the employees must possess the right ‘sail’ and knowledge to realise the organisational mission and vision. Workforce reskilling and upskilling is becoming crucial in ensuring organisational growth and productivity.

Most employees possess various degrees related to their disciplines. However, the knowledge and skill sets obtained during their university years are like a drop in the ocean. What had been learnt five to 10 years ago might not be sufficient and relevant in overcoming hurdles in the subsequent years.

Getting a bachelor’s or a master’s degree does not guarantee the candidate possesses the skills needed from the organisation. Technology automation and digitisation are changing our world faster than ever. Employees must exemplify the competencies framework and demonstrate significant personal and professional development regarding the world’s demands.

Top most-in-demand skills

So, what are the top most in-demand skills for the next 10 years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancement?

First, employees must possess Digital Literacy and Technological Competency. The obvious benefit of being digitally literate and knowledgeable in technology is that the employee will be proficient in using technology effectively. They will be able to find and evaluate the information derived from all sorts of technological platforms and, hence, make informed decisions.

Technology grows exponentially. The AI, robotics as well as other technologies are not going to wait for us. It is a paradigm of specialisation and requires people to quickly adapt and learn new ideas. The faster we learn new skills, the better. Change is an inevitable magnitude in our life and we should adapt to it and find ways to make things work.

Flexibility, on the other hand, helps an employee to respond quickly to changes and in turn, make the company more agile. Employees who possess the Adaptability and Flexibility skill are more likely to be more competitive and more successful. The ability to interpret data is not everyone’s forte, but it should be combated if the employee aims to stay relevant in the industry. The skill will assist employees in making informed decisions by focusing on facts and figures rather than jumping into fallacies or personal judgement.

Additionally, a leader with good Analytical and Data Interpretation skills certainly has splendid and effective communication skills.

Lifelong Learning secures an employee’s competitiveness, employability as well as personal and professional development. People who opt for lifelong learning programmes via short courses or professional certificate benefit greatly from the skills and behaviours taught during the course. Learn new knowledge wherever and whenever you need to. The sky is the limit.

Dealing with technology subconsciously drains our energy which leads to fatigue and burnout. We cannot move mountains if we only have a good resume and educational background. Employees must also possess a high degree of Resilience and Good Mental Health in order to avoid psychological distress.

Strong and challenging job market

The future job market is invigoratingly strong and challenging. Do not succumb to unnecessary arguments or arrangements. If we can fight job burnout, we win.

The technology landscape will continue to grow and evolve from the Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Quantum Computing, Blockchain Technology, and also Artificial Intelligence (AI) - however, robots cannot do everything. People must have good discernment, the ability to judge, and skills to manoeuvre the brain of the system.

-- BERNAMA

Nur Zahira Samsu Zaman @ Taufiq is Manager of Human Resource and Administration at the Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA.