As per a recent study released on Monday, nearly three-quarters of Indian professionals are harboring concerns over the potential substitution of their jobs by technology. The greatest apprehension is observed among individuals employed in the financial, insurance, software, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, who are particularly wary of technological advancements displacing their roles.
The Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023, a survey conducted by Emeritus, highlights the most sought-after fields for professionals, encompassing digital marketing, data analytics, finance, management, and artificial intelligence (AI).
A 2020 report by the World Economic Forum projects that a minimum of 40% of the global workforce will need to acquire new skills in the forthcoming years, necessitating them to undertake distinct responsibilities within their respective organizations. This transformation is attributed to technological breakthroughs that are reshaping industries worldwide. An additional McKinsey Survey indicates that 92% of Indians acknowledge possessing a skills gap that detrimentally affects their employability.
The report underscores a widespread eagerness among professionals from various sectors to fortify their technological prowess, underscoring the pervasive influence of digital disruption.
The findings reveal that a remarkable 94% of software and IT professionals, alongside 93% of technology and innovation workers, exhibit keen interest in enhancing their competence in technology-related domains. Impressively, 86% of professionals in the manufacturing industry also express a desire to acquire proficiency in utilizing technological tools.
In the realm of higher education, an overwhelming 85% of professionals in professional services and consulting are inclined towards further educational pursuits. This figure stands at 77% for individuals engaged in software and IT services, and approximately 76% of manufacturing professionals seek continued education to stay adaptable to global trends.
Amidst the escalating concerns about job displacement due to technological disruptions, a reassuring aspect emerges: 83% of Indian respondents express a strong inclination to upgrade their skills through established learning providers, recognizing this as a pathway towards achieving their professional aspirations. Mohan Kannegal, CEO of Emeritus India and APAC, acknowledges the significance of this trend.
Supporting Emeritus are prominent investors including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Leeds Illuminate, Prosus Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, Bertelsmann, Accel, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.