By Gabriela Vlasich* for staffingamericalatina.

During the World Employment Conference 2018, held in Dublin, Ireland, we had the opportunity to interview seven experts on topics such as the future of work, education, skills and workers 4.0.

This is the first of a series of interviews, where experts share their opinions on these areas. On this occassion, we interviewed Bettina Schaller, who is an Employment & World of Work Executive, Head Global Public Affairs at Adecco Group, President European Industry Body, Labour Market Expert. You can follow her on Twitter at @beschabo

What do you expect the labor market to be like by 2025?

I believe we all know we are going through a profound transformation. I have always thought there will be different labour market levels. Unfortunately, a level that will continue to exist is informality. We do not know yet whether this informality will grow or decrease, which is one of the questions for the 7 years to come.

The other level will be the traditional formal labour market, with employers, employees, etc. And then there will be a market for the gig, where flexibility runs labour relations for both, employers and workers. So, in my opinion, there will not be a dominant market. We will have different levels living together. I don’t know if these levels will interact with one another, because, for instance, a person in the gig economy will have a totally different perspective and way of life that someone who is in informality.

My perspective, which is strongly focused on regulation and how to create a regulatory framework, considers that this is another major challenge. How can we create a system where everything comes together, and where we can provide security for everyone, which for us is key.

What do you think education will be like by 2025?

It would be horrible if there were no changes in education, as it is linked to the changes we all experience. And if we look at the way in which we raise our children, well, it is different than what it used to be, and that is actually normal. Technology will have a major influence in the way people are educated.

In addition, we are all aware about the importance of learning during our entire life, which is linked to a concept called Front-Loaded Learning. This concept means that, in the future people’s education will no longer take place entirely during the first years of their life, to then graduate and start working and living, but, maybe, they will spend a shorter time at school, and then be trained in modules, later in their lives.

What do you think are the most significant skills’ gaps and what can be done to overcome them?

Nowadays you must almost be a robot, meaning you need to have so many skills that is almost impossible for a human being. You need technical skills, but also team work skills, you need to be collaborative, communicative, have every digital skill, but also soft skills. I mean, oh my god! Every time I read these lists I wonder: how is this possible? I don’t think there is a perfect recipe, because we know we are all different, we come from different places, different cultures. But, anyway, I think keeping an open mind, being willing and collaborative, cannot hurt.

But, to go back to your question, specific skills will be useful too. The more specialized you are, the more you will outstand in this world of work. But it is a really complex issue.

As regards the impact of technology, what must be done to generate workers 4.0?

I think that a very important aspect of this discussion is linked to the fact of who is responsible for training and education. The classical answer is the government, the state. However, during the past few years, it has become clear that companies or employers must also contribute. I also believe that in many places around the world, trade unions also play a role in training people. But everything goes back to the individual. This has been thoroughly discussed during this conference: people can no longer relax and be just education consumers. We need to be aware that we have to go out and look for those skills we need. I think it will be easier for some people, and more difficult for others, and the proper environment must be created to enable people to find out what is important for them.

*Projects Coordinator at staffingamericalatina