More than 100 million people will need to change their profession by 2030

The coronavirus pandemic will have a powerful and long-term impact on the prospects for the development of labor activity By 2030, more than 100 million workers, that is, every sixteenth employee, may face the need to change their profession. Experts came to such conclusions McKinsey Global Institute (MGI). 

The study was conducted in 2020 in the UK, Germany, India, Spain, China, the United States, France and Japan.

The report confirms that the pandemic has accelerated three major changes: the growth of remote work, the active development of e-commerce tools and virtual interaction, as well as the accelerated introduction of automation tools and artificial intelligence technologies.

Companies have already begun to implement automation and artificial intelligence tools to reduce the concentration of employees in the workplace and cope with sharp increases in demand, and this process may accelerate as the economy recovers. 

In 2020, the volume of e-commerce in the countries under review increased as much as in the previous three to five years. At the same time, huge growth occurred in such segments as grocery and ready-to-eat delivery, online banking, telemedicine and streaming entertainment services. According to surveys conducted by McKinsey, from 50 to 80% of consumers intend to continue using such channels due to their convenience.

Companies are already creating hybrid remote work models. According to MGI estimates, in developed countries, 20-25% of workers can work most of the time at home. This can affect employment in segments such as office cleaning, public transportation, and restaurant and retail businesses in urban areas.

About 70% of the 800 top managers surveyed by McKinsey in July 2020 in different regions of the world reported that in the next two years they intend to attract more self-employed people to the implementation of projects.

Expert opinion:

Enterprises can adapt existing recruitment models based on practical professional skills, rather than the availability of diplomas. State bodies need to encourage retraining and additional training of people who are not in demand for professions.