Distinct human skills and digital transformation in finding jobs in the new normal

DOLE Report: Distinct human skills and digital transformation go hand in hand in working in the new normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we work. Times have changed and the conditions for finding jobs and even its availability may have changed. Rest assured that we at Xcruit are dedicated to connecting employees and employers, and supporting the Filipino workforce in every way that we can.

The COVID-19 crisis is accelerating the Fourth Industrial Revolution. According to the World Economic Forum, this new chapter is being fueled by extraordinary technology advances and is “forcing us to rethink how countries develop, how organizations create value, and even what it means to be human.” With these technological advancements in place, emerging jobs displace some roles or enhance it by leveraging on distinct human skills, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The current pandemic is accelerating this dependency on technology, pushing employees to find work that are digitally enabled as we face the new normal.

COVID-19 accelerating digital transformation and the jobs that come with it

Even when the economy is slowly reopening, more businesses have moved—or emerged—online to cater to the work from home population. Most people still prefer to stay inside their house to avoid being exposed to the virus, and do their transactions, when they can, digitally or online via app. Organizations recognized this need early on in the pandemic, and those who responded to it early enough are the ones still thriving now. In turn, the employees of said companies were not affected (in terms of job security) and were able to keep their jobs. Working from home used to be a company benefit or part of a company culture. As we continue to brave through the pandemic, and even when some industries require people on site, jobs that allow working from home are clearly becoming our new normal.

DOLE’s recent JobsFit Labor Market Information 2022 study supports this—they have forecasted aggressive hiring for digital and technology-enabled careers, such as jobs for app developers and work from home jobs. While it’s true that millions of people have lost their jobs due to the current crisis, it is equally true that there are still companies who are still hiring now. Most of the jobs that are out there in the market are ones that can cater to our needs while we stay at home—food delivery service via app, online banking, and looking after our health and wellness. No matter how different these industries are, their common denominator is that they are all technology enabled.

Our online purchases and transactions are more than just “getting something online.” To make e-commerce possible, a company needs app developers, web developers, business analysts, QAs, cybersecurity experts, mobile app designers, and search engine optimization (SEO) professionals, to name a few jobs. Aside from these digital jobs, organizations who have moved online would also need sales and marketing professionals, need email or chat support agents, and social media experts to put the word out there and ensure customer satisfaction. On top of all this backend work, there are the employees who make the product or service possible. While some jobs have been displaced, technology fueled roles are more in demand now that we are fighting for our way towards recovery.

More importantly, modern technology fuels the research involved in developing a vaccine for COVID-19. AI, quantum computing, and other applications of digital technology are enabling scientists and medical professionals globally as the world rushes to finally find a cure for the novel virus. Nations worldwide also leverage on technology for COVID-19 trackers to monitor and contain cluster infections.

Finding jobs online for a reimagined (hopefully) post-pandemic future

Let’s take a look at the industries that will thrive as we bounce back to our new normal, and the jobs that are available.

1. IT jobs and Business Process Management (BPM) jobs

Technology is making telecommuting possible.

As we have elaborated earlier, technology will enable advancements as the world rushes to find a cure for COVID-19. Aside from developing medical advancements, we are relying on online services to cater to our new needs and enable life to go on from the comforts of our own homes. This shift of businesses online means that jobs that enable this type of work are in demand.

Likewise, organizations who have a solid cloud infrastructure can be more agile in adopting a remote workforce, ensuring jobs for their employees.

IT and Call Center jobs that are available now

2. Wholesale and Retail Trade jobs

Even though most of us are at home our needs continue. Retail stores are bringing the in-store experience to our doors, delivering what we need when we need it.

Retail and E-Commerce jobs that are available now

3. Transport and Logistics jobs

In relation to bringing goods, merchandise, and food to our doors, transport and logistics companies are making this possible. Aside from the traditional logistics companies, Transport Network Vehicle Services (TVNS) companies such as Grab, are also putting their focus on making on-demand delivery service available to more people. We only see the riders, but on-demand delivery services also provide jobs for backend IT, sales and marketing, customer service, accountants, and a multitude of other jobs to make their operations seamless.

Transport and Logistics jobs that are available now

4. Banking & Finance jobs

The banking and finance industry continues to grow amid the crisis. Aside from traditional banking services (now usually made available at the tips of our hands via app), the current crisis also highlighted the importance of getting insurance and investing in stocks to financially secure the future. It also helped that the Insurance Commission gave insurance companies the go signal to bring their business online, equipping financial advisors to sell life insurance digitally.

Banking and Finance jobs that are available now

5. Health and Wellness jobs

The health and wellness industry has been booming even before the pandemic. More so now that people turn to wellness for sanity, devoting more time to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The pandemic also brought a health scare, highlighting the importance of being fit and having a strong and healthy immune system.

Healthcare and Wellness jobs that are available now

Hiring in the new normal

During this trying time, we saw a spike in searches for work from home jobs, answering interview questions, and tips for going out for your interview. This means that more people are finding jobs that can work for them. If you are looking for a job now, our advice for you is to find:

• A job or role where you can put your skills to good use
• A company that will support you in the new normal
• An organization that can adapt to disruptions, minimizing the threat to job security

We hope you were able to keep your job despite the turbulence in our economy. If you are part of the workforce who got displaced, stay strong! There are companies still hiring now and there are jobs available for you. Conveniently, you can also upskill for the jobs of the future. Take online classes to learn new skills, such as our upcoming trainings in Python Programming and Influential Selling.

Check out our resources to help you find work now, or to find a job that would allow you to work remotely.

Need more helpful job advice in navigating our new normal? Check out our careers blog.