What Percentage Of Jobs Require Technology Skills In 2024?

Innovative IoT technology and automation have transformed the modern workplace. Skills that were once considered niche and specialist, reserved for those with IT degrees and first-hand programming experience, are now indispensable for a plethora of roles across countless industries. 

Not only that, but increased global connectivity means that workplaces are no longer restricted by geographical borders and time zones, and technological innovation has to be thanked for that.

As we move closer towards 2024, the demand for technically proficient workers looks poised to grow even further. So it begs the question of what percentage of jobs will require greater numbers of candidates with the right technical skills, credentials and qualifications? What abilities should hire organisations prioritise when adding reinforcements to their workforce? What areas should companies be looking to bolster with those transformative solutions that can offer a mixture of strategic, creative thinking and technical prowess? 

This article explores the data and trends that could shape the tech-centric job market of next year, which is right around the corner.

The current state of the job market

The past few years have created a complex hiring landscape. The pandemic’s economic disruption is one thing, not to mention the subsequent surge in businesses adjusting their working practices and models to accommodate remote working and greater flexibility. Not only that, but the Great Resignation, and broader shifts in work-life priorities have led to more challenges for employers. 

Some of these key challenges include:

• High turnover: Employees today switch jobs more frequently. This makes retention difficult.

• Increased salary expectations: With fluctuating inflation, rising interest rates, and cost of living pressures in much of Europe, workers want higher pay to ensure that they are capable of meeting their financial obligations.

• Demand for flexibility: Many professionals now expect increased consideration for options for remote or hybrid work. Employers that do not accept this can expect to see lower application numbers.

• Skills gaps: Particularly in technical sectors like IT and cyber security, employers report struggling to find candidates with the needed technical abilities to fill urgent and in-demand vacancies.

Together, these factors make hiring and retention more difficult - especially when seeking out technically gifted talent. Whether their skills have been acquired through real-world projects in the workplace, outside hobbies, or through apprenticeships, internships or work experience, technical skills cannot afford to be overlooked. 

If a candidate has become proficient in building websites, coding, data entry, or even taking photographs and shooting videos using pre-owned equipment in their spare time, these skills (among many others) are in incredibly high demand nowadays. 

Why technology skills are in such high demand

Technical skills have always been in demand, but the past decade has accelerated the need for people who can demonstrate these in spades. Recent events from the pandemic to an acceleration in the adoption of AI and automation solutions have put these abilities under an even brighter (and still constantly evolving) spotlight.

Understanding why technology expertise and proficiency are highly sought-after now boils down to a few crucial reasons:

• Labour market shifts: As routine tasks become increasingly more automated, human workers need to demonstrate supervision and technical usage while being strategically minded.

• Changing how we work: Technologies like videoconferencing and cloud computing enabled new remote and hybrid working models during COVID-19 lockdowns. Their prominence has continued to be felt, especially in firms that liaise with cross-border partners, suppliers or subsidiaries, as well as those offering remote work capabilities.

• Adoption across industries: Tech is no longer siloed in software companies. All industries now integrate solutions like AI, IoT, and big data analytics to work smarter and to alleviate humans from mundane, repetitive and time-consuming tasks, and instead dedicate their efforts to higher value work.

• Competitive advantage: Digital transformation and tech-forward operations are key for companies to gain an edge over competitors. Evolving tech skills such as development and analytics have fuelled this innovation.

In short, technology has become essential for how organisations operate and deliver value. In turn, this necessitates employees who can leverage these solutions.

Which technology skills will be in demand for 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, professional organisations should look to prioritise attracting, hiring, and retaining talent that can demonstrate certain abilities. But which specific skills and competencies should be deemed of greatest importance?

Based on hiring trends and expert projections, the following technical skills will be among the most desired:

Cloud Computing

Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are pivotal for most remote working operations and for keeping productivity at high levels. Skills in cloud migration, native development, and infrastructure management will be especially valuable, as will the familiarity of using specific cloud-based programmes for project, task and document management.

Data Science and Analytics

Big data is powering numerous elements within an organisation, from marketing campaigns and audience segmentation to product development and greater market disruption. Data science and analytics skills from machine learning, aggregation, and business intelligence will enable professionals to derive insights from data. While large chunks of consolidation and visualisation will be entrusted to software and algorithms, companies will still need workers who can supervise and cast watchful eyes over the data’s accuracy and validity.

Cyber Security

Remote operations and digital transformation magnify organisations' vulnerabilities. Skills in managing data privacy, mitigating cyber risks, and administering solutions like firewalls and secure, private VPNs will help secure collaborative systems and data. Additionally, technical experts will need to be on hand to deploy in-house cyber defence protocols, while vulnerability assessments and penetration testing will be the remit of outsourced firms. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

AI can automate repetitive tasks, generate insights from data, and drive innovation in areas that need improvement or restructuring. Skills in developing, implementing, and managing AI solutions will be key to most organisations regardless of industry, sector or size. 

RPA uses software bots to automate routine digital tasks. Similarly to AI, skills in deploying and managing RPA effectively can be instrumental in boosting efficiency and allowing workers to dedicate most of their resources and time to higher-value work.

For developers and engineers, programming languages like JavaScript and Python will also remain foundational. Meanwhile, ‘soft’ skills like adaptability, leadership and business acumen will allow professionals to apply technical abilities strategically.

How can companies attract candidates with tech expertise?

With tech talent in such high demand, how can organisations attract enough skilled candidates to open roles before potentially losing them to competitors?

The key steps will involve:

• Offering competitive compensation and benefits 

• Extending flexible remote or hybrid work options and other perks

• Supporting ongoing learning and development

• Offering tuition reimbursement, training stipends, and growth opportunities

• Explaining the “why” behind the role to help candidates understand the impact they’ll make through innovation

• Highlighting technology leadership expertise in the team

• Forging partnerships with colleges, academies, and industry groups can also expand your candidate pool.

Ultimately, showcasing how your company forwards careers and leverages tech for good can resonate with skilled candidates. 

Preparing for the tech-centric job market of 2024

As technology transforms businesses of all sectors and industries, nearly every role now requires some technical proficiency. Exactly what percentage of future jobs will demand these skills is unclear. 

However, firms can prepare themselves as much as possible by:

• Communicating desired tech skills clearly on applications and during interviews

• Conducting practical assessments to ascertain candidates’ abilities more accurately

• Identifying gaps in the market where skills are needed the most

• Positioning and outlining short- and long-term targets that they want successful candidates to help them meet (and exceed)

• Demonstrating how technology will prove pivotal in creating value for the company, its customers, and the successful candidate(s)

• Offering accessible personal and professional development opportunities within the firm and facilitating external training if necessary

Ultimately, technology is here to stay and is only going to grow in intuitiveness and availability as the years go on. With the new year drawing ever closer, now is the time for organisations to prioritise the skills and experience that matter the most to the areas that need to be improved, bolstered, or strengthened, to gain that vital competitive edge and hit the first quarter of 2024 with a bang.