In the world of work in 2024, ‘talent will be at a premium’
After the world of work changing so much over the past few years, it is important to know which trends to watch out for in the workplace in 2024, such as how to retain talent, value experience and drive productivity.
“As we journey into 2024, the world of work faces a critical juncture as it navigates through a complex web of challenges and opportunities,” says Lyndy van den Barselaar, managing director at ManpowerGroup SA.
She highlights that while technology changes traditional roles, human input remains essential for success. “Even as technology plays an increasingly important role in daily operations, it is the unique abilities and insights of individuals that drive innovation and propel businesses forward.”
She says in the world of work in 2024, talent will be at a premium.
“Finding skilled professionals is becoming one of the biggest challenges for employers worldwide. Talent scarcity is making it more difficult for them to recruit the right people,” she says.
“This highlights the importance of both technical expertise and soft skills. Employers now value attributes like communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities. They recognise the significance of a well-rounded skill set in today’s dynamic work environment.”
Employers also value experience and Van den Barselaar says the evolving landscape of work presents opportunities for non-traditional candidates, including older workers, individuals with employment gaps and the long-term unemployed.
“By placing greater emphasis on experience and adaptability, organisations can tap into a diverse talent pool, harnessing the wealth of knowledge and skills that individuals from varied backgrounds bring to the table.”
There are also new productivity drivers at play. “Focusing on clarity, career development and fostering a positive work culture emerge as crucial drivers in pursuing productivity. As we redefine the parameters of productivity, it becomes increasingly clear that employee well-being and professional growth are integral components of organisational success.”
There is also a sustainability focus in the world of work in 2024, she says. “Sustainability has become a crucial aspect, with companies giving more importance to eco-friendly initiatives and seeking candidates with green skills and experience.”
And if you are worried about AI stealing your job, Van den Barselaar says tech will not replace human power. “While technological advancements continue to accelerate, there is a consensus that technology will complement rather than replace human capabilities.
“The future of work is characterised by collaboration between humans and technology, with both contributing to enhanced productivity and innovation.”
Looking back on the world of work in 2023, the Pnet Job Market Trends Report for the fourth quarter shows in a snapshot of the business and management sector that employees stayed in their jobs for an average of four ears and 10 months.
In this sector, 61.8% of employees were employment equity candidates, 56.9% lived in Gauteng, 49.6% were willing to relocate, 47.2% had a tertiary qualification and 52% were male. Production managers earned between R43 491 and R52 045 per month, branch managers between R27 153 and R35 982 and recruitment consultants between R15 125 and R23 734.
A snapshot of the design, media and arts sector shows that employees on average stayed in a job for two years and 11 months, with 66.7% of employees being employment equity candidates, 58.5% lived in Gauteng, 47.4% were willing to relocate, 49.4% had a tertiary qualification and 47% were male.