Technology and automation have a direct impact on the long-term employability of workers: tasks that are routine or predictable are increasingly being taken over by machines and algorithms. This requires workers to continue actively developing their skills and to think critically about the value they bring to the labour market. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about technological change and what you can do about it in practical terms.
Which jobs and tasks are being replaced by automation?
Automation primarily replaces tasks that are repetitive, rule-based and easily standardised. Examples include administrative processing, data entry, simple customer service and production tasks. It is rarely entire jobs that disappear, but rather specific tasks within a role that are taken over by software or robots.
This means that many roles are changing in nature rather than disappearing altogether. A logistics staff member no longer needs to carry out as much manual data entry, but instead makes more decisions regarding exceptions and quality control. An administrative staff member spends less time on data entry and more on analysis and customer contact. The shift is therefore not just about jobs disappearing, but also about transformation.
Jobs that rely heavily on human skills such as empathy, creativity, complex problem-solving and strategic thinking are, for the time being, more difficult to automate. It is precisely these skills that will become increasingly valuable in the labour market by 2026.
How does AI influence the skills employers are looking for?
AI is shifting employers’ demands away from operational skills towards higher-order competencies. Employers are increasingly looking for people who can work alongside technology, critically evaluate the output of an algorithm, and establish the human connection where a machine falls short.
In practical terms, this means that the following skills are becoming increasingly valuable:
- Digital literacy: understand how tools work and how to use them effectively
- Critical thinking: assessing AI output and asking the right questions
- Adaptability: be able to adapt quickly to changing processes or technologies
- Communication and collaboration: connecting with colleagues and customers in a way that technology cannot
- Problem-solving skills: dealing with complex situations that fall outside the norm
Technical knowledge remains relevant, but it is the combination of subject-matter expertise and interpersonal skills that sets employees apart in an automated labour market.
What does sustainable employability mean in an automated labour market?
Sustainable employability means being able to work in a meaningful and enjoyable way, both now and in the future, even as the labour market changes. In an automated labour market, this adds an extra dimension: it requires a conscious alignment between your talents, developments in your field and the direction organisations are taking.
Sustainable employability is not just about keeping technical knowledge up to date. It starts with self-awareness: knowing who you are, what your strengths are and what drives you. Those who know themselves well can make more informed choices about which development steps suit their career and which technological changes present opportunities rather than threats.
Furthermore, sustainable employability requires a proactive approach. Waiting for changes to happen is less effective than actively anticipating what lies ahead. Employees who do this not only remain relevant to their current employer, but also strengthen their position in the wider labour market.
How do you know if your job is future-proof?
You can assess the future-proofing of your role by looking at the nature of your tasks, trends in your sector and the extent to which your work requires uniquely human skills. Jobs that consist largely of repetitive, structured tasks are at greater risk of automation than those that rely on judgement, interpersonal skills and creativity.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Which part of my job could a well-trained algorithm take over?
- Which tasks in my role have already changed as a result of technology in recent years?
- What is my employer increasingly asking of me that wasn’t asked of me in the past?
- Does my current level of knowledge align with the direction my organisation or sector is taking?
Honesty with yourself is essential here. It is not about painting a pessimistic picture, but about finding a realistic starting point from which you can make informed choices for your future development.
What can you do to ensure you remain employable in the long term?
Remaining employable in the long term in a rapidly changing labour market requires a combination of self-awareness, targeted development and actively keeping up with trends in your field. There is no set formula, but there are specific steps that make all the difference.
- Invest in self-awareness: find out what your natural talents and behavioural preferences are, so that you know where your strengths lie
- Keep up to date with developments in your sector: read specialist literature, attend events and talk to colleagues about what’s changing
- Develop digital skills: familiarise yourself with the technologies relevant to your field
- Improve your people skills: communication, leadership, collaboration and creativity are, in fact, becoming even more valuable
- Be proactive in discussions with your employer: Ask about the organisation’s vision for the future and how your role fits into it
- Keep learning: through training courses, coaching or informal learning opportunities in the workplace
The key is to take control of your own career. Those who make conscious choices and don’t wait for changes to happen to them are in a much stronger position.
When is professional career guidance useful in the context of technological change?
Professional career guidance is useful when you find yourself stuck in your own way of thinking, are unsure which direction to take, or when technological changes are having a tangible impact on your role. An external counsellor helps you look beyond the immediate situation and brings structure to a process that would otherwise be difficult to get off the ground.
Signs that counselling may be beneficial:
- You feel uncertain about your future within the organisation, but don’t know where to start
- You’ve noticed that your role is changing and you’re unsure whether you have the right skills to keep up with these changes
- You want to know what sets you apart in the job market
- You’re considering a different direction, but lack the self-awareness or structure to take that step
Career guidance is not a sign of weakness, but a conscious investment in yourself. Particularly at a time when technological change is happening so fast, it is valuable to have someone by your side who can help you gain a clear understanding of who you are, what you are capable of, and which direction suits you best.
How Nieuwkans helps to ensure long-term employability in a changing labour market
At Nieuwkans, we help employees take control of their own future, even when that future feels uncertain due to technological change. Our programme for sustainable employability for employees is fully bespoke and consists of two interactive sessions in which we work together to develop self-awareness and a vision for the future.
What we actually do:
- Mapping self-awareness through scientifically validated talent assessments, including the BrainsFirst methodology, which identifies your natural talents and cognitive behavioural preferences
- Understanding your labour market by linking trends and developments in your field to your personal profile
- Specific development plan that reflects who you are and what the organisation or the labour market requires
- Personal support by experienced coaches who believe that you yourself can shape your own future
We always take a bespoke approach; we never use a one-size-fits-all solution. You are at the heart of what we do, and our aim is for you to continue contributing with confidence and enjoyment, both now and in the future. Would you like to find out what we can do for you? Please get in touch with us and we’ll explore the options together.