This article was originally published in Dutch on Bloovi.
From "jobs jobs jobs" to "the labor market is on fire". In recent months, numerous articles have been published about changes in the labor market resulting from digitisation and automation. Sometimes it's about job creation, other times about job loss or a lack of skills. Regardless of the tone of the reporting, the same premise kept coming back: the job as a central element in the labor market. However, a recent McKinsey study questions whether thinking in terms of jobs still holds up. A valid point.
The McKinsey study cited two important reasons to support this statement: first, it's not primarily the jobs themselves that disappear, but the tasks within certain jobs that get a different definition as a result of digitisation. Secondly, new roles are added that are similar across jobs and sectors. Thinking in terms of new roles, rather than jobs, means a shift in labor market thinking and requires a different approach to education and labor market operations (for example, writing job descriptions). But it also ensures that the employability of those active in the labor market is maximised.
From jobs to roles?
Emphasising soft skills in a VUCA world is not new for newcomers to the labor market. The need to reskill and learn permanently is also becoming louder. In addition, having the same job throughout one's career is no longer a guarantee.
The impact of technology and digitisation is now inevitable in various jobs. No one doubts that this will result in job losses, as was recently painfully evident in the retail sector after the wave of layoffs at Carrefour.
Contrary to many other studies, the McKinsey report indicates that it will primarily be roles within jobs that will change, rather than the entire set of jobs that will disappear. This way of thinking sheds a different light on both job destruction and job creation.
When we look at which roles are subject to digitisation, it involves physical work and everything related to data and monitoring. At the same time, we could present the same figure on which roles will be necessary in the future. Whether it's about what will disappear or what will be added: the essence is that it's no longer about jobs but about roles within jobs that will disappear and emerge across sectors.
A different view of the labor market
If there's no longer job creation or destruction but rather role creation and destruction, it does offer a different perspective on the labor market. In this scenario, we should focus on roles that occur in multiple jobs. As a result, we organise education around those specific roles. Job postings and applications will no longer be organised around job descriptions, but according to roles. The expertise in a role of an employee can then be utilised by different companies.
In the context of keeping employees employable throughout their career, thinking in terms of roles offers an opportunity. With the concept of an employers' group where employees work for different employers, at least a first basis has been laid for such legislation towards the labor market of the future. Let's continue to build on this diligently.
