The future of work – Post inflation, wage hike and mass automation

03 May 2023

This article discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the future of work in South Africa, including high unemployment rates and the impact of automation on the labour market. It emphasises the importance of investing in upskilling programmes to prepare the workforce for the demands of the 21st century.

As we recently celebrated Worker’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on the current state and future of work in South Africa. With an ever-stranger future looming, it’s important to assess the challenges that South Africa faces and how we can prepare for the changes ahead.

High unemployment rates and inadequate infrastructure

South Africa’s high unemployment rates remain a significant challenge for the country. The unemployment rate currently stands at 33.3%, with many job seekers being relatively young and their working futures still ahead of them. Inadequate infrastructure is another challenge that South Africa faces, particularly in rural areas, where access to education, training and job opportunities is limited.

Fluctuating landscape

Those who are currently employed are facing a fluctuating landscape. Changes to our maximum working hours are under review, the pinch of hiked wages is starting to be felt, and automation is rapidly changing the way we work. With a wave of automation like nothing we’ve seen, the future of work in South Africa will look very different to anything we might have thought before.

Automation: Opportunity or threat?

While automation has the potential to increase productivity and reduce labour costs, it also poses a threat to jobs, particularly in low-skilled industries. Automation may also exacerbate existing inequalities, as those who are already disadvantaged may be disproportionately affected by job losses. It is therefore crucial that the government and private sector work together to manage the impact of automation on the labour market, particularly by investing in upskilling programmes and reskilling workers to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

Upskilling and reskilling

The responsibility to remain competitive in this employment battle will lie with us. We can see automation as a threat or a tool that will propel us further. Investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes will help us prepare for the jobs of the future and remain competitive in a rapidly changing labour market.

Conclusion

The future of work in South Africa is uncertain, but there are steps we can take to prepare for the changes ahead. We need to address the challenges of high unemployment rates, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of automation on the labour market. It is crucial that we invest in upskilling and reskilling programmes to prepare ourselves for the jobs of the future. As we reflect on Worker’s Day, let us consider what we can do to ensure that we are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone.

Contact us 24/7

• WhatsApp – Just type ‘Hi’ to start chatting
• Email

Article sourced from Legal&Tax.

See also:

• Legal expense insurance provider launches AI lawyer in South Africa
• Up, up and away: An increase in the national minimum wage for 2023
• Recession and the legal impact it poses on businesses
• The next normal part IV: Setting it up…

(This article is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. For more information on the topic, please contact the author/s or the relevant provider.)