The global pandemic, as we all know it, has reshaped the ways job roles operate on a day-to-day basis. With many companies and businesses transiting from working in offices (pre-covid) to working from home (during covid) to a hybrid system (post-covid), the reliance and implementation of smart technology systems have been accelerated to enable businesses to work more efficiently while keeping their employees safe.
While these changes in the working system have benefited businesses globally, it has also helped companies to realise that specific roles do not have to be done the conventional way, resulting in the permanent change to particular job roles or even making some job roles redundant. Even as economies all around the globe are opening up in various stages, one thing we can say for sure is that workplaces and job roles will forever be changed.
Embracing and Taking advantage of technology but not letting technology evolve us
Technology has been advancing at a rapid rate in Singapore and globally since the harness of the use of electricity for appliances like vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and washing machines in our daily lives in the 1950s. The leverage on technology has grown at a pace for businesses has further expedited, not only in Singapore but all around the world, since the onset of the pandemic. From online meetings on Zoom and Microsoft Teams to automated work systems, digital adoption has taken a phenomenal leap at both the industry and organisational levels. The pandemic has pressured companies to adopt new strategies to keep their business running. Studies have shown that this adoption of technology has put us years ahead in terms of digital implementation.
However, with it comes a new set of challenges. The new methods of digital interaction have also created a void in face-to-face interaction. While technology does keep the flow of communication between the relations of teams healthy, it does not solve the issue if the current issue of communication breakdown was evident even before the start of pandemic. Adaptability and fluency to technology are also the defining effects of such changes. Individuals who are unable to adapt to technology-driven apps and tools find themselves being left behind or left out by their peers. Hence, working in this new era, we see a lot of individuals struggling in their career journey to keep afloat. If that is what you are struggling with, Quest Discovery Academy offers career coaching programmes that help you understand your struggles while realigning your career development journey.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution: Everybody has to learn to adapt
While the job role we have may remain the same, how we approach it, the task, the methods or techniques to solve an issue, or even the equipment and work environment we are in may change. The pandemic has taught us that we need to learn to adapt to changes quickly in order to keep up with the changing times. The one thing that many around the world struggled with during the pandemic was doing things they were familiar with in unfamiliar situations. People were going through the same work responsibility as they were before.
While individual preferences for the new work situation differ among employees globally, one common thing for sure is the need to adapt and be comfortable with the unknown. The ability to adapt helps one to be at peace and be comfortable with the unknown. As lines between personal life and work become blurred, so does the possibility of burnout and stress increases in the employees’ life. It is paramount for employees to upskill and upscale their capabilities by embracing learning as one of the tools to adapt to the consistent changes in the marketplace.
Future-proof skills and jobs
At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of every employee to develop new skills that help them to keep up with the ever-changing and the dynamic of workforce and increase their chances of being employed or even headhunted by their dream company. Lifelong learning is a culture where increasing numbers of companies are cultivating in the workplace. Do ride on the wave of this initiative as organisations are empowering their staff with latest and cutting-edge skills for the industry.
While new technology and challenges may arise, it does not mean that existing skillsets and employees are rendered obsolete. If you are struggling with the lack of drive to pick up new skills or your current company is adamant about hiring new staff, and you find yourself in the possibility of being fired, then all you need is some guidance on career development. Quest Discovery Academy can help you with that aspect through our career advancement coaching programme.
Conclusion
Covid-19 has undoubtedly reshaped the way we approach our job responsibilities in Singapore. Companies and businesses had to resort to new and creative solutions to affray the effects of the pandemic and, in doing so, have found unique and productive methods to go about their business. As important as it is to adapt to such changes, no one cares about your career development, more than you do.
Should you struggle with changes in your career or responsibilities or, as a business owner, want to find ways to improve your employees’ self and skills development, then do consider our career development workshops. Quest Discovery Academy offers career coaching workshops as well as a career coach certification program that equips individuals and corporate groups with the necessary fundamentals and skills to work towards their corporate goals. For more information, you may visit us at https://qda-asia.com/.