The Covid-19 pandemic has upturned business operations around the world. Here in Hong Kong, many companies have implemented work-from-home arrangements, creating a "new normal" working environment for many, and driving the need for digital transformation. 

This shift is part of a broader revolution in the world of work. According to "The Future of Jobs Report 2020" from the World Economic Forum, 85 million jobs may be displaced by 2025 by a shift in labour from humans to machines. At the same time, new technology could create as many as 97 million new roles. To be equipped for this digital-driven future, it is essential for businesses and workers to acquire skills in ABCDE and R – meaning AI, blockchain, cloud, big data, e-commerce and robotics.  

To see how these global trends are impacting Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) conducted "The Future of Work & Skills Survey" by interviewing more than 600 employers and employees. This survey aimed to understand the expectations of local employers and employees on the future mode of work after the pandemic, as well as its impact on their productivity and operating costs, and their preparations for digital transformation. 

The results show that 81% of employers think hybrid work will be feasible in the future while 62% of them plan to implement it permanently. Among employees, 70% said they would like hybrid work to be their future working model. The results indicate positive sentiment towards the hybrid model from both camps.

While the hybrid model is likely to be an irreversible trend, how much do employers and employees understand about the IT knowledge and digital skills that will be required? 

The HKPC survey found that only 30% of employers deem their workforce to have the necessary skill sets to fully adapt to the new normal, showing they understand that there is room for improvement in technology skills. 

As for employees, 82% say they need to upgrade their IT knowledge and digital skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data and cloud technology. Also, more than 80% of them expect their employers to arrange the relevant training to enhance their productivity and competitiveness.

The rapid advance of technology means that the types of skills and knowledge required in the workplace are constantly changing. For example, the retail industry has had to expand its e-commerce sales channel by operating online shops and strengthening digital marketing. Companies should upgrade their IT infrastructure and their employees' digital skills to ensure they can keep up with future trends. 

This will create increasing demand for digital transformation services, especially in improving employees' digital skills. According to the survey results, nearly 90% of employers will include basic IT knowledge and digital skills as a requirement for hiring employees, which shows that mastering "future skills" is a top priority. 

In Hong Kong, there are wide range of programmes available to help with digital skills as well as the soft skills needed to thrive in the future workplace – such as creative thinking and strengthening team spirit. Learning and interacting through play can enhance communication among trainees and make it easier for participants without a technical background to learn about new technologies. There are also more specific courses available in areas including drones, robots, e-sports, virtual reality and other advanced technologies.

Companies should be aware that there is support available to help them train their staff. For example, under training programmes such as the "Matching Grant Scheme for Skills Upgrading" under the Anti-Epidemic Fund, 75% of the course fee is subsidised by the Government. Businesses should make the best use of the subsidies they are entitled to, to help train their staff and make sure their workforce is prepared for a future of hybrid working.