The future of work is full of possibilities, but it demands a willingness to evolve, explains Rhonda Scharf
I started full-time work in 1984. I realize that was before many of you were even born! It feels like the Dark Ages compared to what we do now, but many of the skills are still relevant today. How we do our job might look slightly different, but what we do is still relatively the same.
That was 40 years ago (gulp!), and while I think weâve certainly seen some significant changes, we are about to see far more in a much shorter period.
By 2030, the workforce will look dramatically different. According to industry projections, 92 million jobs will be lost, but 170 million new ones will be created. For administrative professionals, these numbers tell a story of opportunity â but only for those ready to embrace the future of work.
We had a similar situation in the late 1980s and early 1990s when computers entered the workplace. The change they brought is very similar to the change that artificial intelligence is bringing now.
Some were determined that computers would be the death of us all; some fully embraced the opportunity they provided. Many refused to learn how to use them until they had no choice. Iâm sure there are very few people left in the world who canât use a computer at all. Even the very elderly, in most cases, have figured it out. Forty years ago, they werenât the very elderly, and many had to use computers in their jobs.
Our role is changing quickly, mostly due to advancements in technology. Like then, we need to pivot, upskill, and take advantage of opportunities.
I loved computers when they were introduced into the office and quickly became the âgo-toâ person when anyone had questions. That role morphed into the corporate help desk and trainer.
It was an opportunity that presented itself that I took advantage of.
The Rise of the Creative Economy
One of the most significant drivers of change is the creative economy. Problem-solving, innovation, and imagination are now prized skills, and as administrative professionals, we are uniquely positioned to leverage them. Artificial intelligence (AI) can handle our routine tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and travel coordination. All the tasks that we begrudge because they take all our time away are quickly becoming automated. If you can write instructions on how to do something, it is just a matter of time until it is automated.
However, AI cannot replicate your human creativity. You will thrive if you can think outside the box, ask questions, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and find innovative ways to streamline operations. And with our âbusy workâ mostly automated, we have time to add value through our creativity.
Instead of simply managing a calendar, imagine leveraging AI tools to analyze time usage and recommend smarter scheduling strategies for your executive. Have a system that knows the best time for a meeting based on schedules, how much time the meeting needs, and even who needs to be there. Rather than organizing events traditionally, you could incorporate immersive technologies or create unique experiences that foster deeper connections and add value! By embracing creative thinking, youâll demonstrate your ability to adapt and add value beyond traditional administrative tasks.
Embracing AI Fluency
Speaking of AI, fluency in this technology will become non-negotiable. Tools like ChatGPT, automated scheduling platforms, and advanced data analysis programs are transforming work. For us, this means learning how to use AI not only as a tool for efficiency but also as a strategic partner. It will make you even better!
AI can help you analyze patterns, predict needs, and enhance decision-making â but only if you understand its capabilities. For instance, you can use AI to compile and analyze meeting notes, track project timelines, or provide data-driven presentation insights. The key is not to fear AI but to embrace it as an ally that enhances your skillset.
Start by familiarizing yourself with commonly used platforms and tools in your industry.
Seek out training programs, webinars, or certifications that provide hands-on experience. The more comfortable you are with AI, the better equipped youâll be to harness its potential and position yourself as a forward-thinking professional. Using the fact that your company does not allow you to use AI as an excuse will hurt you in the future.
The Explosion of Green Jobs
Another shift reshaping the workplace is the growth of green jobs. With sustainability becoming a top priority for organizations, roles focused on environmental impact and corporate responsibility are multiplying. While these positions may not traditionally fall within the administrative realm, there is a growing need for administrative professionals to support green initiatives.
For instance, you might assist in tracking a companyâs carbon footprint, coordinating sustainability events, or managing compliance with environmental regulations. Understanding the basics of sustainability and how it intersects with your organizationâs goals can make you an invaluable asset. Consider earning certifications or attending workshops focused on green practices to enhance your expertise in this area.
Soft Skills Are the New Power Skills
Soft skills are becoming the cornerstone of professional success as technology takes over routine tasks. Empathy, adaptability, and resilience are no longer just nice-to-have qualities â they are essential tools for navigating an AI-driven world.
Empathy allows you to build stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Adaptability helps you pivot in the face of change, whether itâs a new technology rollout or a shift in organizational priorities. Resilience ensures you can weather challenges and bounce back stronger because, as we know, things will and do go wrong. This is what the administrative professional of the future does.
One practical way to develop these skills is by seeking feedback regularly. Understanding how others perceive your interactions can help you refine your approach. Additionally, mindfulness practices and stress management techniques can enhance your resilience and emotional intelligence.
Consider your relationships at work. Do you work to meet others, recognize them in the hall, and ask them what they do? Sitting behind our screens all day does not position us for the future. You work hard â but are you working smart? Get out, be seen, get to know others. Join a conversation, ask a good question, and contribute something to a boardroom discussion.
Thriving in the Future of Work
To thrive in the future of work as administrative professionals, we must embrace a growth mindset and take proactive steps to future-proof our careers.
When I was EA to an SVP, I wasnât thinking about my future. I was thinking about my young family, expenses, and job. In hindsight, I realized I did myself a disservice by not looking to the future because I was looking for a new job just a few years later. Things had changed; they didnât need what I offered, and my job was the casualty. I hurt my ability to get another job by focusing on the current day rather than looking to my future.
I learned the hard way. In reflection, even though I didnât have the energy, money, or support to invest in my career, there are many things I could have and should have done. Here are some options for you:
1. Master creative thinking
Invest time in activities that challenge your imagination, such as brainstorming exercises, design thinking workshops, or creative writing. Look for opportunities to apply these skills in your daily tasks. It could be as simple as the daily Wordle or Connections with the NYTimes app (free), but keep your brain always creative.
2. Embrace AI fluency
Stay current on AI tools and trends. Take online courses or join professional groups focused on technology in the workplace. Follow along with YouTube influencers or read about what you can do. Donât look the other way thinking it doesnât apply to you â it does.
3. Develop green expertise
Learn about sustainability initiatives and how they impact your organization. Consider certifications like LEED Green Associate or courses on corporate social responsibility. This is an early indicator of a specialty that you might excel at. If you are interested and if your company is investigating what that looks like, jump to the front of the line to get involved.
4. Cultivate soft skills
Practice active listening, empathy, and adaptability. Seek opportunities to lead projects or mediate conflicts, as these experiences can sharpen your interpersonal skills. While this has always been on our lists, be even more aware than you have in the past. Your friends and family will appreciate it.
Conclusion
The future of work is full of possibilities, but it demands a willingness to evolve. The question isnât whether youâre ready for the future of work â itâs whether the future of work is ready for you.
