In 2020, the global workforce lost an equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs, an estimated $3.7 trillion in wages and 4.4% of global GDP, a staggering toll on lives and livelihoods. While vaccine rollout has begun and the growth outlook is predicted to improve, an even socio-economic recovery is far from certain.
The choices made by policymakers, business leaders, workers and learners today will shape societies for years to come. At this critical crossroads, leaders must consciously, proactively and urgently lay the foundations of a new social contract, rebuilding our economies so they provide opportunity for all.
In this context, the Forum remains committed to working with the public- and private sectors to provide better skills, jobs and education to 1 billion people by 2030 through initiatives to close the skills gap and prepare for the ongoing technological transformation of the future of work.
Africa
The jobs expected to be available for Africa's youth from now - 2035
Under 25s are expected to total 50% of Africa's population by 2050, causing a demand for employment to reduce poverty in the region.
Education and Skills
These are the skills young people will need for the green jobs of the future
In its GEO-6 for Youth guide, the UN Environment Programme says learning green skills today will get young people ready for the green jobs of tomorrow.
COVID-19
Young people are missing the office – here’s how they can thrive in a post-pandemic workplace
With many young workers feeling they are missing out on in-office opportunities, what does the future of work mean for them?
Jobs+Skills
Fancy a career change? AI could help you decide your next move
A research team from Australia have built an AI model that analyses over 8 million online job ads to see what skills are needed for the future of work.
Education and Skills
Does giving students more freedom enhance their academic performance?
To realise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, researchers examined the impacts of an innovative policy of student autonomy on learning.
Workforce and Employment
Survey: How US employees feel about a full return to the workplace
A survey showed that 4 in 10 Americans who are working from home would seek another job if employers asked for a full return to the workplace.
Gender Parity
This is how the US female workforce has been affected by COVID-19
Farida Mercedes, an HR executive who had worked 17 years with her company, had to quit her job during COVID-19 to provide childcare for her son.
Workforce and Employment
Why the unconscious is the path of least resistance to eradicating bias in your workplace
Efforts to challenge discrimination and promote diversity have so far focused largely on conscious perceptions – which can end up reinforcing bias.
Jobs+Skills
How to achieve supplier diversity: 4 experts explain
Businesses and governments are increasingly recognizing the need for supplier diversity. Here's how can it be achieved and how to overcome the obstacles.
Future of Work
As offices re-open, how can you avoid distractions while working?
As many people return to shared offices, they may be facing significantly more interruptions and noise than they have been used to while working at home.
COVID-19
This is how COVID-19 hit women's employment
New analysis from the International Labour Organization shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's employment - with a bigger hit than for men.
COVID-19
The pandemic has damaged youth employment: Here’s how we can help
The pandemic has had a profound effect on young people’s economic opportunities. Fixing that will call for a blended approach.