The future of work is human
The Funzi Mobile talks event was about the fundamental skills needed in the future of work. We had the privilege to host world-leading researchers and learning advocates and shed light on the transformation of work-life and skills that can help us adapt to the changes. We learned that the future of work would become human-centered, and education and learning should reflect that.
If you have missed the live discussion on Wednesday, watch our recording here.
Megatrends steering the transformation
Global changes are driven by megatrends that dramatically shape the world around us in the following decades. Dr. Saara Tamminen enlightened us about the five megatrends that will increasingly steer the transformation, development, and decision-making;
Ecological reconstruction needs to take place urgently as climate crises are rising.
Relational power is strengthening, and networks and interaction will be increasingly significant as spreading confusion is a way of wielding power.
Populations are aging and becoming increasingly more diverse.
The economy is seeking direction, and new business models are needed to tackle climate crises.
Technology is being embedded in absolutely everything.
“Setting an example and then joining the forces is the key to making bigger changes.”
— Dr. Saara Tamminen (Sitra Finnish Innovation Fund)
The fundamental future skills
A causal connection can be seen between the skills we need and megatrends that mold our future. To adapt, humans must be agile and elastic. According to Professor Markku Wilenius, four skills are fundamental to acclimate to the changes.
Planetary skill can help us understand ecological reconstruction and appraise our environment. Complexity skill helps us focus on the essential and filter the relevant information from the overload and confusion. As global populations become more diverse, we need empathy to observe challenges from someone else’s perspective. Finally, creativity will enable us to find more sustainable solutions in business to tackle the climate crises.
“There are no limits to learning unless you stop listening.”
— Professor Markku Wilenius (Dubai Future Foundation)
Leading with love: empathy in education, individual and professional life
We learned from the discussions that work must be redefined; it should not be about place and processes but people and results. As the concept of work is changing, the challenge is to equip young professionals for work that doesn’t exist yet. People must be proactive because if they are not building their own future, they will be living someone else's future.
The panel of speakers highlighted empathy as a superpower of the future. While empathy may not be a skill that can be taught, it is a skill that can be learned by putting people in environments where they can exercise empathy. No one can do empathy alone, and it will become even more critical that we learn to change our perspective. Education systems, organizations, and individuals must put empathy in the pivotal position and lead with love.
“Young people must be put in environments where empathy can be exercised.”
— Marlon Parker (Rlabs)
“Empathy is a superpower because it puts you in a position where you’re never alone.”
— Aape Pohjavirta (Funzi)
New Whitepaper published
As an in-depth continuation of our Funzi Mobile talks, this Whitepaper opens up the discussion about the drivers that change the jobs of tomorrow and what types of skills and mindsets are crucial to embrace these changes.
Having a better understanding of this subject might be the key to our growth as individuals and societies.
Get familiar with Funzi
Funzi.mobi is a mobile learning service that focuses on bridging the skills gaps in emerging markets. Together with our partners, we are on a quest to bring learning to billions of people globally. Are you interested in partnering with us? Find out more information about us on our company website funzi.fi, or Get in touch!