The world is constantly changing, and the job market is no exception. As we move toward the "future" (already very present), new technologies emerge, societal demands shift, and business models evolve—transformations that are shaping the current and future landscape of job creation in Brazil. Given this scenario, it's essential to reflect on how we can prepare to face the challenges and seize the opportunities brought by the growing possibilities afforded by the digital and social revolution.
To give a more concrete idea, across the globe, up to a quarter of jobs are expected to radically transform in less than five years, at the scale of the millions of workers affected. This is the main conclusion of the latest report on the Future of Work, produced annually by the World Economic Forum, which took into account projections and estimates from approximately 800 companies surveyed (operating in 27 sectors) around the globe.
Therefore, technological innovations and the 4th industrial revolution will simultaneously create and eliminate millions of jobs, setting the stage for the emergence of new trends and paving the way for the importance of recurring and increasingly intensive professional development.
AI drives new jobs
By 2027, technology adoption will be a key factor in business transformation. According to the survey, big data tops the list of resources expected to create jobs, with 65% of respondents expecting growth in related roles. Furthermore, positions for data analysts and scientists, big data, machine learning, and AI specialists, as well as cybersecurity professionals, are expected to grow by an average of 30%.
Digital commerce will lead to the largest absolute gains in jobs: approximately 2 million new roles are expected, such as specialists in e-commerce, digital transformation, and online marketing and strategy.
On the other hand, according to the report, the main jobs expected to disappear are: bank tellers and related employees, postal workers, cashiers and collectors, data entry clerks, administrative and executive secretaries, among others. I don't believe these positions will completely disappear, like elevator operators, who were a mandatory presence in the first half of the 20th century and later became a luxury item – but rather, they are professions that will need a very pragmatic reason to endure, different from how these activities are performed today.
Increase in green, educational and agricultural jobs
Investment in the green transition and climate change mitigation, as well as growing consumer awareness of sustainability issues, are also driving the transformation of the job market. As countries seek more renewable energy sources, systems and installation engineers in this field will be in high demand. Investment will also drive growth in more generalist roles, such as sustainability specialists and environmental protection professionals, which are expected to grow by 33% and 34%, respectively, resulting in approximately 1 million jobs.
However, the largest absolute gains will come from education and agriculture. The report concludes that job openings in these fields are expected to grow by approximately 10%, resulting in 3 million additional teaching positions. Meanwhile, jobs for agricultural professionals, especially equipment operators, graders, and separators, could increase by between 15% and 30%, culminating in over 4 million jobs.
The profound climate changes that have surprised us with their scope, intensity, and frequency in recent months (I am writing this article in a week in which much of Brazil is experiencing the worst air quality in history, thanks to fires across the country and unseasonably extreme drought) should be a lever for these professions and activities.
Professional requalification
In contrast to the emergence of many highlighted opportunities, companies interviewed in the World Economic Forum survey warn of significant gaps between current employee skills and future business needs. Six in ten employees will need reskilling before 2027. Some of the key skills sought are employee training in AI and big data, analytical thinking, and skills to develop creative thinking.
Therefore, investing in continuing education to develop these (and other) skills is crucial to ensuring employability in the present/future. That is, the concept of lifelong learning, which means lifelong learning, has never been as popular as it is now.
Ultimately, the future of the job market will be characterized by rapid and disruptive change, but also by unprecedented opportunities for those willing to adapt and constantly learn. By embracing transformation and cultivating skills relevant to the future economy, we can build a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable world for future generations. And, potentially, a more satisfying one in the daily exercise of professional skills.