Swati Rai
‘Times, they’re a changing’ was never truer for the times we are living in now. The pandemic is old story, one that we have at work and home learned to make peace with co-exist- second skin now to work, study and live in the ‘next normal.’ The disruption brought about by this global affliction, has had long lasting impact, one that is continue into the future. Downsizing, pink slips and remote work were the last year’s normal. 2021’s next normal is to work around the existing conditions and look ahead at challenges as opportunities. Keeping the job situations in mind especially at a time when hiring is nowhere as low as at the start of the pandemic fallout. Here’s what we need to do to stay professionally relevant in these trying and testing times.
Re-skill, upskill; learn-unlearn and repeat
Go online
Tech disruption in the professional sphere is a refrain that we can do without hearing yet again. However, as WFA increasingly becomes a norm; Comfort with digital skills at the workplace needs to move beyond using Siri or Alexa to play our favourite song. AI enabled software for translations, negotiating and familiarising oneself with updated and latest versions of virtual interface software for, using it effectively, familiarising oneself with the changing role of technology in human resource management, digital devices to save time, right from framing mails to note taking- is a must on the job upskilling that is nothing short of mandatory now. As our world shrinks into the palm of our hand a.k.a, the smartphone- time to work on digital efficiency proving to be an effective employee- on speed, accuracy and content aided digitally.
Soft skills are here to grow
As face to face business stays but shrinks too- going by the logistical requirements mandated by the purse strings of the company and the growing possibility of remote working- the question of a soft skills remain. All things being equal, the edge would be achieved by a nuanced understanding of everyday soft skills in the company. Some of more significance than the other. Tone, empathy in the written and spoken word communication, inter-cultural fluency skills, Netiquette and Non-verbal cues through the screen, will gain greater importance. So will managing team collaborations successfully and relatively adapting o the changing times will be in vogue. At the end of the day adapting to the changing times, hard skills requirements, qualifications and updated self and company’s training calendar will help. Equally, these are times when reading up, keeping an ear to the ground and collaborating and creativity have truly gained significance as 21st century learning skills.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
1
3
4
5