Rise of Digital Jobs
Job seekers who stay informed about emerging trends, invest in skills development, and embrace the possibilities of global digital work will be well-positioned to find fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities in the years to come
Global labour markets are undergoing a rapid transformation driven by a confluence of factors, including technology adoption, the green transition, and macroeconomic trends. These forces are reshaping industries and redefining the nature of work as we know it. This is interesting as global CEOs have been opposed to remote work. Nevertheless, latest research seems to point that “remotability” of work will increase as major global markets face skill shortages.
That apart,the widespread availability of digital tools and the seismic shift to remote work in the wake of the pandemic have ushered in a new era where certain roles can be performed entirely from remote locations. This shift has sparked ongoing debates about the benefits and challenges of remote and hybrid work arrangements, while simultaneously opening up new opportunities for both employers and workers.
Tech-enabled digital jobs
The proliferation of communication and collaboration software, Cloud-based knowledge management systems, and emerging technologies such as the metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) are further moulding workforce practices. These innovations are enabling a growing number of jobs to be executed remotely – fundamentally altering the traditional paradigms of work.
In advanced economies, labour markets are experiencing exceptional tightness, while developing economies grapple with higher rates of unemployment. Demographic trends are poised to exacerbate these disparities, with higher-income economies anticipating an aging and dwindling labour force, and lower-income economies anticipating a burgeoning working-age population in search of employment opportunities.
The global rise in tertiary education, coupled with the accessibility of online learning, has empowered individuals worldwide to access the latest knowledge for upskilling and reskilling. This trend has the potential to make talent more widely available across the globe, transcending national boundaries and challenges.
These overarching patterns foreshadow the emergence of a more technology-driven digital collaboration across global talent value chains, where geographical constraints become increasingly irrelevant. Online work platforms have already facilitated global “gig work,” and it is foreseeable that further globalisation of professional, white-collar, and service-oriented work will ensue.
The advantage of a global talent pool
The potential for a global digital workforce presents a myriad of opportunities for countries, companies, and workers worldwide. It can enable access to a global talent pool and job opportunities independent of geographic location, ultimately contributing to improved social and economic outcomes on a global scale. However, this digital migration also brings forth its own set of challenges, including outdated tax and labour regulations, potential job displacement in higher-income regions, and the risk of wage undercutting and low-quality employment in other areas.
Unsurprisingly, jobs conducive to becoming global and fully digital now, and in 2030, are heavily skewed towards knowledge work rather than roles that require physical engagement. It is possible that future technology developments and resulting shifts in occupational structure and demand could further broaden these roles.
Digital Twins to push remote work
Findings from Capgemini’s research suggest that immersive technologies such as digital twins will create new opportunities to bridge physical and digital worlds. These technologies are not likely to be sufficiently adopted to make roles wholly remote in 2030.However, this research suggests that, combined with metaverse development, additional roles such as operational training, technical training and even soft skills training, could become partially remote. In contrast, many social jobs, such as those in care and healthcare, are expected to remain location-dependent. With shortages of these professionals in many parts of the world, the longer-term trends point to more equalisation of wages for these traditionally lower-paid roles as knowledge work becomes more global and remote.
To navigate this transformative landscape, proactive measures must be taken by policy-makers, employers, and workers to foster an inclusive, secure, and thriving global digital workforce. As part of a comprehensive series, the Capgemini paper seeks to assess which roles are most conducive to wholly remote work and are thus likely to evolve into global digital jobs. It examines the wage levels of these roles in the US economy, their growth or decline outlook, and projects their global quantities in the present day and in 2030.
The evolving digital workforce
This analysis aims to equip stakeholders – ranging from business leaders and policy-makers to workers – with insights into the “remotability” of roles and their potential to transition into global digital jobs. A recent white paper released by the World Economic Forum and Capgemini, titled “The Rise of Global Digital Jobs”, highlights the increasing potential for job seekers to find employment in the rapidly evolving global digital workforce. The report identifies a growing trend of jobs that can be performed remotely from anywhere in the world, offering job seekers new opportunities to secure positions that align with their skills and experience, regardless of their geographic location.
The study found that out of 5,400 job types analysed, 218 are conducive to becoming global digital jobs, representing a significant pool of 73 million workers worldwide. These jobs span across various sectors and wage levels, catering to a wide range of skill sets and experience levels. By 2030, the number of global digital jobs is expected to grow to around 92 million, with a higher proportion of these jobs being higher-paying roles.
New skills needed for digital jobs
To capitalise on these emerging opportunities, job seekers should focus on developing skills that are in high demand for global digital jobs. This includes expertise in software development, financial management, graphic design, and customer service. Additionally, job seekers should be proactive in seeking out remote work opportunities and showcasing their ability to work effectively in a digital environment.
The report also emphasises the importance of continuous learning and upskilling to remain competitive in the job market. Job seekers should take advantage of online learning platforms and resources to acquire new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Furthermore, job seekers should be open to exploring opportunities beyond their immediate geographic location. The rise of global digital jobs means that companies are increasingly hiring talent from around the world, providing job seekers with access to a broader range of potential employers and career paths.
While the growth of global digital jobs presents exciting opportunities for job seekers, it is important to be aware of potential challenges – such as the need for reliable digital infrastructure and the possibility of increased competition from a global talent pool. Job seekers should also be prepared to adapt to new working models, such as hybrid or fully remote arrangements, and develop strong communication and collaboration skills to thrive in a digital work environment.
As the workforce continues to evolve, job seekers who stay informed about emerging trends, invest in their skills development, and embrace the possibilities of global digital work will be well-positioned to find fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities in the years to come. The evolving landscape of global labour markets is characterised by profound shifts driven by technology, demographic changes, and educational advancements. Embracing the potential of a global digital workforce while addressing its associated challenges will be pivotal in shaping the future of work on a global scale.