Many aspects of life, including the future of work, have been undoubtedly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last two years disrupted not only the workplace, but labor markets in general, which led to a change in strategic goals and plans. The pandemic pushed more employees, including healthcare staff, to adapt to the remote world and it also paved the way to a swift change in job opportunities, pay, and benefits.
What’s the Effect of COVID on Many Work Industries?
More so than any other recession before it, the COVID-19 recession has shattered some certain industries—those that relied on the movement of people and personal interactions—while leaving those that depended on the movement of information, or jobs that don’t require human interaction, relatively unharmed.
What Are the Top Industries Hit Hardest by the COVID-19 Pandemic?
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, Airlines, Automobiles, Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure, and Specialty Retail were the most affected industries by COVID-19.
What Are the Problems Faced by Industries during COVID-19?
1. Airlines
According to Airlines for America, almost 20 airlines shut down operations or declared bankruptcy. The aviation sector also experienced labor shortage, issues in processing times, and revenue losses.
2. Automobiles
Due to strict social isolation measures and nationwide lockdowns, the pandemic’s onslaught resulted in massive production halts. Reduced car sales, massive layoffs, disrupted supply chain emerged as the critical challenges facing the automotive industry.
3. Hotels, Restaurants, and Leisure
Customer buying behaviors and expectations concerning their safety & sanitization lead to a new set of leisure
4. Specialty Retail
Other e-commerce players fiercely challenged brick-and-mortar retailers. In addition, compliance with health regulations added to the overall expenses since establishments needed to meet customer’s safety expectations.
What Changed: How Did These Industries Cope to the New Normal?
Apart from a hybrid workforce for companies returning to work after COVID, industries are innovating to adapt and reach the future faster. “Digital first” is the anchor of the new normal. Businesses adopted marketing and sales solutions that consumers crave. Moving to ecommerce platforms and using digital transactions are helping industries compete on a more level playing field.
What Is the Future of Work?
The pandemic has completely reshaped the way industries operate, how businesses maintain their customers, and how employees demonstrate their skills in the post-pandemic workplace.
These are some “jobs of the future” and careers that will be in demand in the next 10 – 15 years— from roles created by the pandemic to industry leaders.
- Healthcare Specialist
More than any other sector, health care is projected to create an estimated 2.6 million jobs. Nurses, medical practitioners, and physical therapists are in high demand, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not only is working in health care a good bet for job security, it’s also a career that allows you to make a meaningful difference in your community and the world.
2. Data Scientist & Analyst
The rise of digital innovation lead to a vast amount of complex data about people, their behavior, and their preferences. Back end developers, technical product managers, and machine learning engineers all made LinkedIn’s list of the best jobs that are growing. Anyone who thrives with numbers and technology should work in this field.
3. Cybersecurity Expert
Cyberattacks are more likely to occur in the future as a result of the pandemic’s digital transformation acceleration. Compared to many other occupations, the cybersecurity industry provides greater job security. From 2020 to 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 33% increase in jobs for information security analysts. This rate grows employment four times faster than the national average for all occupations.
4. Epidemiologist
As the field of public health expands as a job market, many professionals are shifting their focus. Epidemiology is one of the most in-demand specializations. It’s a field that combines socio-cultural & medical knowledge, data analysis, and research. A well-trained and experienced epidemiologist can anticipate numerous career opportunities for this reason alone.
5. Finance/Sales Manager
Salespeople are needed in every industry. Those who can contribute to a company’s growth and development of sales have access to numerous opportunities. Financial managers, on the other hand, create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
NOTE: this is an update from our past blog about “Returning to work after Covid: Jobs that are Trending in this “New Normal” Condition“
