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Skills-Based Capabilities Redefine Talent Strategies, Part Two

General InsightsHRTalentTalent AcquisitionTechnology and InnovationUncategorized by John Yuva on

Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange (FOWX) conduct a variety of workplace and Future of Work research. In this new series, we’re taking a deep dive into a chart from a recent research effort and providing analysis to bring you the latest technology trends impacting today’s workforce.

This week, in part two of a two-part series, we continue examining how enterprises across industries are reimagining talent strategies, initiating a transformational shift toward skills-based hiring. As organizations prioritize workforce agility and long-term resilience, they are investing in technological capabilities that can operationalize this approach at scale.

Last week, we focused on the leading capabilities on our chart (see below) that enterprises plan to implement over the next 18 months to accelerate a skills-based hiring initiative.  This week, we’re exploring emerging capabilities (6 through 10 in the chart) that have significant value in supporting skills-based hiring strategies. Those capabilities reinforce the aspects of rigor, consistency, and fairness when hiring within a skills-based environment, and include: structured interviews (55%), skills assessments (51%), bias reduction and fairness initiatives (49%), practical exercises and work samples (49%), and competency frameworks (48%). Together, these elements form the backbone of a more objective, inclusive, and performance-driven approach to talent acquisition and development.

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To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

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Upwork Survey Identifies Fastest-Growing Skills

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsSolution ProvidersTalentTechnology and Innovation by John Yuva on

The world of work is rapidly evolving as technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) shift how work gets done. Enterprises are turning to AI for transformative workplace results, leading to increases in upskilling and technology adoption within the contingent and permanent workforce. This opens the door for freelancers and contractors who meet the skills demand from organizations to leverage new technology for greater efficiencies and substantial insights.

Growth in Data Science & Analytics Category

What skills are needed now and in the future? Upwork, the world’s work marketplace connecting businesses with independent talent, released its report “In-Demand Skills 2024” highlighting the critical skills workers need across a variety of categories. The report revealed that Data Science & Analytics is one of the fastest-growing work categories as generative AI modeling and machine learning produce strong demand from businesses. Upwork revealed that the AI and machine learning subcategory on the company’s platform saw 70% year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, as clients and independent professionals collaborate on today’s most cutting-edge projects.

The Upwork report identified several fastest-growing work categories and skill sets where contingent labor can deliver the greatest value. As the examples below illustrate, artificial intelligence and automation in general are heavily sought after for 2024 and beyond.

  • Data Science & Analytics — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Generative AI Modeling, Machine Learning, Data Analytics
  • Coding & Web Development — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Scripting & Automation, Database Development, and Web Design
  • Sales & Marketing — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Marketing Automation, Sales & Business Development, Email Marketing.

This year’s “In-Demand Skills” report noted several new skills emerging in the top 10, including medical and executive virtual assistance, as well as development & IT project management and digital marketing campaign management.

Skills-Based Hiring in the Age of Emerging Tech

With the demand for specific skills, organizations are turning more toward skills-based hiring to meet their workforce needs. According to Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, “Every company is vying for the best talent and there remains huge demand for a broad range of skills across the Upwork marketplace as businesses big and small are finding solutions in the growing reservoir of skilled independent professionals,” she said.

“In 2024, emergent technologies like generative AI are having a major impact on the skills-based economy. Of course, business demand for these types of skills is increasing, but we’re also seeing a complementary impact, whereby AI technology is driving greater demand for all types of work across our marketplace,” Monahan added.

Growing Demand for AI Expertise

Monahan’s comments also align with the current influence of AI on the workforce. According to a report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) entitled, “Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work,” nearly 40 percent of global employment is exposed to AI. As more solution providers integrate artificial intelligence into their offerings, that percentage is likely to increase. Enterprises are turning to AI to streamline business processes and automate tactical tasks that provide workers with more time for strategic planning.

This is good news for freelancers and contractors upskilling or with existing expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. According to Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, an AI consultant on Upwork, “As technology rapidly changes and more specific expertise is needed, more and more businesses are coming to Upwork to find the solutions they need,” she said.

“Consequently, the demand for my skill set has never been higher. Upskilling and becoming an AI professional on Upwork has opened many doors. I get to work on interesting projects and I am a stronger partner for my clients as I’m more efficient, productive, and can deliver better outcomes,” DeStefano-Tangorra added.

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The Future of Work is Now: Top Trends for 2023 (New Research!)

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsTalent by Christopher J. Dwyer on

2023 promises to be a year unlike any other. With rampant inflation, economic uncertainty, and a volatile labor market, enterprises must balance agility, flexibility, and dynamic strategies to thrive in these uncertain times. The year ahead will surely challenge enterprises, with the specter of an economic downturn lingering overhead as well as continued uncertainty regarding the volatility of the labor market. However, as businesses have done over the past three years, they will persevere, they will thrive, and, most critically, they will innovate.

In the spirit of looking ahead, Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange developed a brand new research study: The Future of Work Is Now: Top Trends for 2023. Sponsored by Guidant Global, this exciting new research study highlights the key trends of today’s dynamic world of work and their implications on business operations in the year ahead. Click here to download the new report.

We identified seven key trends that will shape the way businesses find, engage, and source talent, manage their extended workforce, and optimize they ways they get work done. Download the new research study today!

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