An outlook for the next-gen workforce

“Wonder is the seed of all knowledge” or so said Francis Bacon more than 400 years ago.

This morning, I dropped off my 14 year old son at his work experience week. Quite apart from feeling decidedly old, I drove away contemplating just how different the world of work he is preparing for in 2024 looks like compared to myself or even my siblings looked at in decades past.

For a start, the world has changed immeasurably in just 4 years. Covid 19 heralded a chaotic new reality that was followed shortly after by a temporary talent war, before sinking depressingly into an actual war, rising inflation, interest rates and an increasingly difficult cost-of-living crisis.

Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom - in fact, it never is. We only have to look at the strides we have made in compassion within the workplace, flexible/hybrid set-ups and of course, the augmentation of AI capabilities into our workflows and daily tasks.

I got to ruminating on what advice would I give my son given that he is growing into a young man with plans and ambitions of his own?

The old adage of necessity is the mother of invention sprang to mind as did some lofty advice around “in times of great uncertainty, a resolute mindset and an unwavering focus on continuous improvement are some of the only tools we have available in our locker to keep moving forward and swimming against and increasingly rough tide.”

All useful points, but how do you implement them? I personally believe it’s all about discovering your true vocation through determining what you are passionate about and where you really believe you can make a positive difference.

Become a scholar in the sense of building a library of reading materials and best practises that resonate with you (these can be read in the old fashioned way, or via an audiobook if you prefer.) Train yourself to develop good habits early on and never lose your sense of curiosity.

Ultimately, whatever path my son decides to embark upon, I will fully support him all the way, conscious in the know-how that these economic scenarios are always cyclical, transitory and that challenging times are always followed by positive ones.

After all, the darkest hour always comes before dawn.

Sending good wishes your way.

Aaron Davies