Advances in new technologies such as mobile communications, social media recruiting and outsourcing will radically change the way recruitment is carried out over the next few years.
This is the conclusion of a major groundbreaking report, Technology 2020, published today by our group. The report, examines the future of technology. To do this, it has drawn together eight emergent trends that could completely change the industry landscape over the next decade, based on interviews with leading Technology figures.
They are:
- The convergence of cloud computing
- The burden and benefits of data/memory storage and management
- The critical need for data security, disaster recovery and business continuity
- Green IT and clean technology
- Interacting with the next generation of mobile communications and devices
- The potential growth of social networks
- Unified communications comprising real-time services being delivered to one single device
- The growth of nano hardware, soft technology and pervasive computing, all of which are set to have a significant impact
The report also highlights the key implications for HR professionals and businesses over the coming decade, including self management as workers choose to work remotely, hyper-connectivity through increasing use of mobile communication devices far beyond the basic mobile phone used today and the challenges of employee engagement with remote workers feeling isolated as well as liberated.
For IT professionals, the following changes are expected to affect demand:
- Specialist skills will shift from in-house to dedicated product and service suppliers where demand for in-depth understanding of new technologies, such as cloud computing and vulnerability management will remain at a premium.
- Skills such as basic programming and code cutting will be less in demand as software becomes more flexible and robust. However, traditional IT professionals will still have a key role to play in operating legacy systems.
- Data centre operators will continue to search for rare skill combinations, such as Linux and Windows.
- Process definition, project management and other ‘soft skills’ will be more valued as suppliers modularise technology and simplify installation.
Commenting on Technology 2020, Jeff Brooks, Chair of REC Technology Sector Group, said: “This new guide provides us with a launch pad for discussion and debate on how the recruitment industry will be affected by the rapid, unstoppable march of the new technologies.
“Not only does it highlight many of the new technological platforms, it also helps us pinpoint some of the crucial issues that could influence how the industry operates in the future, the impact on the jobs market and the behaviours required by recruiters.”
Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC added: “It is vital that the recruitment industry seriously reviews the far-reaching implications of the latest technological advances. Those that modify their business practices first are likely to be best placed to win more business.”
The report will be circulated to members of REC Technology over the next few days.
