THE WORKFORCE SKILLS OF 2050

By Lisa Johnson – SquareOne Training

Twenty-five years ago, in December 1999, the world braced for the millennium bug. Headlines warned of planes unable to take off, vanishing bank accounts, and failing computers as the calendar turned to 2000. Thankfully, the chaos never materialised. Yet, the Y2K bug became a symbol of the collective anxiety surrounding technological change— a feeling that echoes today with the rise of AI and automation.

At the time, offices were dominated by paper. Filing cabinets overflowed, printers worked overtime, and face-toface meetings were the norm. Email and the internet were gaining traction, but many questioned their staying power. Technology was both an opportunity and a threat—a perspective that remains just as relevant in today’s fast-evolving workplaces.

25 years of transformation

Fast-forward to today, and the workplace is unrecognisable. Technology has revolutionised how businesses operate, communicate, and collaborate. Remote work has become standard, with tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Office 365 enabling seamless global connections.

At SquareOne Training, we’ve seen these shifts firsthand over our 32-year history as workplaces have continually had to adapt and evolve. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of our courses moved online, helping organisations quickly adapt to tools like Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. While early adopters often lead the charge, major catalysts like the pandemic push even the most hesitant businesses to have to embrace change.

The rise of subscription-based tools has also made constant workforce development a necessity. Gone are the days of relying on static software versions; businesses now must adapt as tools evolve, often with little warning. This continuous cycle of change underscores the importance of agility and ongoing learning.

The skills for 2050

Looking ahead, the pace of technological advancement will only accelerate. AI and automation are already shaping industries, with tools like Power BI, CoPilot, and Power Automate transforming decision-making and processes. While some businesses have eagerly adopted these innovations, others remain cautious. History, however, shows us that indispensable technologies eventually become mainstream.

But how will workplace skills evolve by 2050?

Personal

skills: The human advantage

As technology handles more technical tasks, human skills will take centre stage. Leadership in 2050 will demand emotional intelligence, adaptability, and effective communication. Inspiring teams, fostering collaboration, and building trust will be vital as workplaces become more remote and tech driven.

Technical expertise: A key component

While personal skills will be crucial, technical knowledge will remain essential. Employees will need to interpret data, implement automation, and maximise the potential of advanced tools. Roles like Data Analyst and AI Technician will become commonplace, requiring a workforce equipped with up-to-date skills through continuous training.

Lifelong learning: The cornerstone of success

Training will be the foundation of future workplace success. As software evolves and updates become more frequent, the gap between staying ahead and falling behind will narrow. Continuous learning will shift from a competitive advantage to an absolute necessity, with businesses focusing on continuous regular training rather than one-off courses.

The future workplace isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to innovate, grow, and thrive. Businesses that adopt new tools and embrace a culture of learning today will be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of 2050.

At SquareOne Training, we’re proud to support organisations on this journey, helping build the skilled workforce of tomorrow and ensuring our region stays ahead in an ever-changing world.

1. Consumer Behaviour Trends:

Balancing Aspirations with Realities

Adapting to shifting priorities: Economic pressures will likely slow the growth of ethically driven purchasing, but growing awareness of ethical sourcing and sustainability will continue to drive demand as the damage of fast fashion gets further coverage. However, the cost of living crisis means striking a balance will be key.

Social commerce and mobile-first strategies: Platforms like TikTok will continue to shape buying habits, especially in fashion and beauty. Social selling offers brands an opportunity to meet consumers where they are.

Generational shifts in focus:

As millennials age (and benefit from an unprecedented transfer of wealth from baby boomers), brands need to cater to a 40+ demographic entirely different to the same age cohort two decades ago. Older consumers are always largely untapped, but present a major opportunity for brands willing to innovate.

2. Innovation and Technology: Practical Application Over Speculation

AI for operational efficiency:

The real value of AI is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Retailers should focus on established AI tools to streamline processes rather than chase speculative solutions where humans already excel.

Preparing for the future of AR: Industries like homeware should begin looking into 3D modeling (Shopify has an app for that). Preparing will position brands to capitalise on advancements in coming years as hardware reaches wider acceptance.

Cautious optimism for metaverse-lite:

The capital M Metaverse is dead - but platforms like Fortnite and Minecraft have familiarised younger generations with retail in virtual spaces. Widespread adoption may be distant, but early exploration should yield insights for future strategies.