How Your Business Can Adapt to the Future of Jobs
The world of work is changing faster than ever, and businesses that fail to keep up risk falling behind. By 2030, nearly 40% of the skills employees use today are expected to become outdated, according to the World Economic Forum.
Advances in AI, automation, and digital technologies are reshaping industries, creating new opportunities while transforming—or even replacing—some roles.
The question is: how can your business stay ahead, keep your team motivated, and ensure employees have the skills to thrive in tomorrow’s workplace?
This guide explores practical steps to prepare your workforce, close skills gaps, and build a team ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why Preparing Your Workforce Matters
Technological advancements, AI, climate change, demographic shifts, and economic changes are transforming businesses worldwide.
Roles in AI, data analytics, green energy, and care industries are expanding rapidly, while more administrative and clerical positions are expected to decline.
This makes upskilling your employees and developing transferrable skills not just a nice-to-have, but a business imperative.
Investing in workforce skills strengthens productivity and engagement, and employees who feel prepared for evolving roles are more motivated and demonstrate higher will to work, directly impacting business outcomes.
Employers need to act now to ensure their teams remain future-proof. In fact, it’s projected that 39% of existing skills will become outdated between 2025 and 2030, highlighting the urgent need for continuous learning and workforce development.
Did You Know?
Over half of employers (52%) plan to increase the share of revenue allocated to wages to retain top talent and support workforce development.
Upskilling for the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Upskilling is more than just training—it’s about equipping your workforce with the capabilities to stay relevant in a world reshaped by AI and emerging technologies.
As AI continues to automate routine tasks, employees must evolve from simply doing work to solving complex problems, thinking strategically, and using advanced tools with confidence.
To be “upskilled” means an employee has strengthened and expanded their skills to meet new workplace demands while aligning with long-term business goals.
This often includes developing digital literacy, analytical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate with AI-driven systems.
And businesses are taking this seriously. Around 85% of employers plan to prioritise upskilling initiatives, while 70% expect to hire talent with newly developed skills to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Identifying the Best Skills for the Job Market
Employers are increasingly prioritising a mix of technical and human-centered skills to keep their teams competitive and adaptable. The fastest-growing job skills include:
- AI and big data analysis
- Network and cybersecurity literacy
- Creative thinking which goes hand in hand with critical thinking skills
- Leadership skills, resilience, and flexibility
Other highly valued transferable skills include effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability, which employees can apply across roles and industries.
Strengthening digital literacy is also essential to ensure your team can navigate new technologies and evolving future trends.
Investing in these skills not only keeps employees relevant but also helps employers achieve their company goals and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing business environment.
Did You Know?
By 2030, businesses will need to create 170 million new jobs, but 92 million current jobs could be displaced due to automation and changing skill demands.
Practical Steps to Future-Proof Your Workforce
Preparing your workforce for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking clear, practical steps, businesses can close skills gaps, keep employees engaged, stay ahead of industry trends, and set the stage for long-term business growth.
With almost 6 out of 10 workers needing reskilling or upskilling by 2030, it’s clear that building the right skills isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s what will keep your team confident, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Here’s how you can get started:
Assess Current Employees’ Skills
Start by conducting a comprehensive skills audit to identify which job requirements are essential for your current and future business needs.
Pinpoint gaps in knowledge or experience so your training efforts focus on the areas that matter most.
This process helps ensure that on the job training and other development programs are targeted, effective, and aligned with your company goals.
For example, finance teams may need hands-on training in AI-driven analytics, while administrative staff may require advanced technology literacy.
Business leaders can use this insight to make smarter decisions about where to invest in employee development and which skills will drive the greatest impact.
Upskill Your Employees
Once skills gaps are identified, provide targeted upskilling opportunities through online courses, workshops, mentorship programs, or short-term project rotations that expose employees to new responsibilities.
Upskilling isn’t just about technical ability—it also strengthens soft skills and strong interpersonal skills, including problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities are essential for collaboration, leadership potential, and long-term success in a changing workplace.
By supporting both technical growth and human skills, you develop well-rounded employees ready to meet evolving job demands.
Encourage Lifelong Learning
Creating a culture of continuous learning ensures your team stays proactive and prepared for changes in the job market.
Supporting skills development helps employees grow both technically and personally, while also strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Encourage employees to set personal development goals, recognise learning achievements, and provide incentives for completing training programs.
This approach not only benefits individuals but also positions employers to maintain a competitive, agile workforce.
Businesses that cultivate a growth mindset see higher retention, stronger engagement, and a team better equipped to meet evolving business challenges.
Leverage Remote or Outsourced Talent
When internal teams reach capacity, accessing remote or outsourced professionals—especially through offshoring Filipino talent—can help employers fill specialised job requirements quickly.
This approach provides immediate access to niche expertise in cloud computing, digital skills, and AI, without the delays of traditional recruitment.
It’s not just technical knowledge that matters. Many Filipino remote professionals also offer strong soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and collaboration, which are crucial for managing daily operations and integrating with existing teams.
For example, hiring a remote data analyst or AI specialist can accelerate digital transformation while your in-house workforce focuses on developing new skills and responding to ongoing industry changes.
As global workforce models evolve—supported by frameworks from the Australian government and industry bodies—business leaders who embrace offshore and remote talent are better positioned to stay agile, future-proof their workforce, and achieve long-term business growth.
Track Progress and Measure Impact
Finally, implement clear metrics to assess the effectiveness of your upskilling programs. Go beyond completion rates.
Monitor how new skills in areas like data analysis, time management, and management skills are being applied in daily operations.
Track improvements in transferable skills, project performance, and employee engagement to ensure your investment delivers tangible results.
Consistent monitoring allows your team to adapt to industry changes, refine training initiatives, and focus on high-impact areas—proving the real business value of workforce development.
By aligning skill growth with business goals, you ensure your employees are advancing in ways that strengthen both individual performance and long-term company success.
Build a Future-Ready Workforce
The workplace is evolving faster than many businesses anticipate. By developing relevant skills and strengthening core job skills, you empower your team to stay agile, motivated, and ready to meet new challenges head-on.
Focusing on the best skills for job growth ensures your workforce can adapt to shifting demands and emerging technologies.
Preparing your team today doesn’t just boost productivity and engagement—it positions your business to stay ahead of competitors and navigate change with confidence.
Partnering with Advice2Talent makes this transformation easier. We provide highly skilled remote and outsourced teams across finance and admin roles, enabling you to close skills gaps quickly and build a workforce that’s truly ready for the future.