Futures

The Shift in Workforce Planning: From Jobs to Tasks and Skills for Greater Agility, (from page 20260118.)

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Summary

The traditional job-centered approach to workforce planning is becoming less viable in a rapidly changing environment characterized by digital transformation and automation. An analysis shows that nearly 75% of jobs transformed more between 2019-2021 than in the previous three years, with many jobs being displaced by AI. In response, organizations are increasingly adopting task- and skills-based frameworks for workforce planning, allowing for more agility in matching talent to work. However, challenges arise in balancing flexibility with the inherent complexities of skills-based approaches. Organizations may ultimately need to rethink workforce planning entirely, shifting from tasks and skills to outcome-based models that empower employees. Additionally, utilizing technology is crucial to integrate tasks, skills, and work processes dynamically to enhance efficiency and adapt to evolving market needs.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Shift from Job Descriptions to Task and Skill Focus Organizations are moving from traditional job descriptions to focusing on tasks and skills. Transitioning from fixed job roles to more fluid task and skill-based frameworks. A workforce where roles are dynamically defined by tasks and skills, allowing more adaptability. The rise of automation and digital transformation necessitating more flexible workforce management. 5
Emergence of AI in Workforce Planning AI technologies are increasingly utilized to map skills and optimize workforce planning. From manual skill assessments to AI-driven analysis of skills and tasks. AI and machine learning will regularly inform and adjust workforce planning and talent allocation. Need for efficiency and real-time adaptability in workforce management. 5
Integration of Technology in Task Management Organizations are developing tech tools for task libraries and dynamic workforce planning. Adopting technology for real-time updates in workforce tasks and roles. Advanced platforms will be common for real-time task management across all organizational levels. Ongoing digital transformation and increasing complexity in workforce management. 4
Fractionalization of Work Breaking down jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks enhances flexibility. From rigid job structures to fluid task assignments enabling rapid adjustments. A work environment where roles can evolve rapidly based on task requirements. Changing demands from automation, gig economy, and remote work. 4
Alternative Workforce Planning Models Exploration of service-based and process-based workforce planning models is increasing. Shifting from traditional hierarchical job structures to a focus on value and outcomes. An ecosystem where workforce planning is based on services and processes, resulting in more agility. The need for organizations to adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs. 4

Concerns

name description
Job Displacement due to Automation With increased automation and AI, existing jobs may disappear, leading to economic challenges for workers.
Incompatibility of Skills and Tasks Moving to a skills and tasks-based approach may not be sustainable as the complexity of human work increases.
Rapid Skills Obsolescence The declining half-life of skills could complicate skills-based workforce planning, risking workforce relevance.
Lack of Employee Agency A mechanistic approach to workforce planning may limit workers’ choices and autonomy in their roles.
Inequality in Workforce Opportunities Relying too heavily on task and skill-based approaches may overlook strategic roles that require complex human capabilities.
Technological Dependence Increased reliance on AI and technology for workforce planning may lead to systemic vulnerabilities if technology fails.
Complexity in Integration of Skills and Tasks The integration of tasks and skills for effective workforce planning presents challenges due to various organizational nuances.
Creation of Rigid Structures New task and skills frameworks could inadvertently create rigid work structures, hampering innovation and flexibility.

Behaviors

name description
Shift to Task- and Skills-Based Planning Organizations are increasingly moving from traditional job-based workforce planning to focusing on tasks and skills to enhance agility and responsiveness.
Integration of Technology in Workforce Planning Advanced technologies like AI and machine learning are being utilized to identify and manage skills and tasks dynamically within organizations.
Fractionalized Work The deconstruction of jobs into smaller, manageable tasks allows for greater flexibility and optimization of workforce deployment.
Outcome-Based Role Redesign Shifting the focus from rigid job descriptions to outcome-driven roles encourages innovation and problem-solving while enhancing employee agency.
Service-Based Organizational Design Emerging models are exploring service-oriented approaches, where work is defined by value delivery rather than traditional job structures.
Dynamic Work Orchestration Platforms are evolving to integrate tasks, skills, and technology for real-time work planning and fulfillment, allowing organizations to respond swiftly to changing demands.
Collaborative Talent Ecosystems Organizations are focusing on community and network-driven approaches to workforce planning, emphasizing collective capabilities and shared resources.

Technologies

name description
AI-Human Collaboration The integration of artificial intelligence with human capabilities to enhance decision-making and task performance.
Dynamic Task Libraries Technological tools that create and update comprehensive repositories of work activities and tasks to enhance workforce planning.
Work Orchestration Platforms Platforms that integrate skills, technology, and work, allowing for flexible task and resource management in real-time.
AI-Driven Skills Taxonomies Automated systems that build and maintain an up-to-date classification of skills required for various tasks and roles, enhancing workforce planning.
Fractionalized Work Models Work structuring that breaks tasks into smaller components for greater flexibility in job design and workforce management.
Outcome-Based Planning An approach that focuses on achieving specific business outcomes rather than traditional job functions, allowing for more agile workforce planning.
Network-Based Workforce Planning Strategies that consider the broader ecosystem and community surrounding specific roles for better strategic workforce management.

Issues

name description
Disappearance of traditional job roles Digital transformation and automation lead to job roles disappearing while new ones emerge, challenging existing workforce frameworks.
Shifting to skills and tasks in workforce planning Organizations are moving from job-based planning to a focus on tasks and skills for better agility and efficiency.
Integration of technology in workforce planning Emerging technologies, including AI, are essential for developing dynamic task libraries and skills inventories.
Need for real-time workforce planning solutions Organizations require adaptive solutions that reflect the fluidity of work and roles based on tasks and skills.
Emergence of fractionalized work Breaking down traditional job structures into smaller tasks allows more flexibility in workforce deployment.
Shift toward outcome-based workforce design Reconfiguring roles to focus on outcomes and problem-solving rather than fixed job roles is gaining traction.
Cross-functional workforce planning Recent trends show work increasingly performed across functional boundaries, necessitating new planning strategies.
Challenges in skills-based planning Declining skills half-life and interconnected strategic roles complicate the shift to skills-based workforce planning.
Service-based organization design Emerging models focus on services as a unit of analysis, emphasizing measurable value exchanges in work processes.
Network approach to workforce planning Alternative workforce planning approaches that consider role ecosystems and global networks are being explored.