What the jobs of the future look like? 5 major market trends in the 4th quarter of 2021

Some of the most sought after roles in the near future will be “Chief Sanity Officer” (Director of Health & Wellbeing at the organization level), “Digital Resource Conductor”, “Director of Storytelling” (in charge of Modern Communication), “Human A.I. Ambassador ”(Promoter of Artificial Intelligence Programs at the organization level), Employee / Stakeholder Experience Director and, at different hierarchical levels, roles such as “A.I. (artificial intelligence) Specialist”, “Big Data analyst”, “Digital Transformation Specialist”, or “Innovation/ E-commerce Specialist”.

At the same time, jobs such as “accountant”, “cashier”, “call center operator” or “data entry” and any other role that can be relatively easily replaced by artificial intelligence / robotic processes (AI / RPA) will be increasingly rare in the next 4-5 years, a recent analysis made by the human resources solution company K2S – Key 2 Success reveals.

Most of the companies, both multinational and the Romanian entrepreneurial businesses are currently undergoing complex transformation processes, thus the need for managers and specialists, especially in roles related to transformation, digitalization or innovation will lead to fierce competition on the labor market, the same analysis highlights.

According to ANOFM – National Agency for Employment, the unemployment rate in Romania registered at the end of August 2021 (*the latest available data) reached an all-time low (2.93%), meaning a lower rate than in the previous month by 0.003 percentage and 0.37% below the rate recorded in the similar month of 2020. At this market moment, there is not only a fierce competition at workforce levels (workers in various industries), but as well at management and specialist levels, according to K2S specialists.

The most active sectors, which will make the fastest transition to the new profiles and will seek to accelerate business performance by adding the new types of roles in the organization chart are technology, retail, agribusiness, energy, financial services, industry or the healthcare sector.

Under these circumstances, the local Executive Search, Recruitment & Selection services market will also undergo a profound transformation, determined by the dynamics of companies in the economy. In the last 2 years, according to K2S estimates, this market has stagnated at an annual turnover of approximately EUR 7 million*. Out of a total of approximately 47 players in previous years, there are currently approx. 31 specialized companies. Of those that disappeared from the market, some were taken over, but most were radiated / underwent insolvency in the last 2 years.

5 major market trends in Q4 2021:

• Technology, digitization & artificial intelligence (A.I.). With the , companies have adapted to meet new trends and technology has become a very important tool in recruitment. For example: profiling candidates according to psychological profiles, candidates selection by using robots, etc.
• The strategic role of the HR department. If the priorities of this department were previously related to capabilities development, organizational and efficiency development or resource optimization, now they have new priorities: employee wellbeing, mindset and leadership profile adaptation, diversity and inclusion, social impact, management of the different generations or people analytics.

• Employees’ experience (how they feel) at work has become a key element in attracting and retaining talents, in the context of an accelerated life rhythm, with physical and mental health having become a priority, as well as under fierce competition conditions and considering the impact of technology in all sectors. Wellbeing at work is closely linked to psychological safety and a work environment that encourages collaboration, co-creation of real value, etc.

• Staff On Demand” (freelancers and project – based collaborators vs. permanent employees). The pandemic and the remote work possibility have accelerated this trend started by unicorn organizations, in which both employers and those who were previously employed increasingly prefer this form of collaboration for certain roles. This brings both financial benefits and benefits related to the freedom to work on several different projects at once, to spend time with family, etc. Specialized HR companies will also start offering this type of alternative to the classic workforce, K2S specialists estimate.
• Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance). General trends and concerns, as well as the international sustainability targets accelerate companies’ concern for environmental and social responsibility components. Thus, many companies have already implemented in their organizational charts in Romania roles such as Director or ESG Specialist. This trend will continue in all areas of activity, the analysis shows.