In a world of work that is radically transformed by digitalization, employers are finding it difficult to find talent with the right skills. Close to eight in 10 (78 percent) of respondents expect their employers to invest more in developing their digital capabilities to help them stay employable.

According to Randstad study, 83 percent of local respondents feel equipped to deal with digitalization in their jobs. Despite being prepared for the future of work, 53 percent of respondents expect their jobs to be automated in the next five to 10 years. This is 19 points higher than the global average (34 percent).

Natellie Sun, Managing Director at Randstad Hong Kong, said, “The wave of digitalization has already started to reshape traditional businesses, and the future of work will require a different set of skills. The need for future-ready skills is the most critical challenge that companies across all industries in Hong Kong face. Even though people feel equipped to deal with digitalization in their jobs, companies need to prepare them for the future where job scopes are expected to become more sophisticated and complex.”

When it comes to sourcing talent, 72 percent said that their employers are having trouble finding people with the right skills today. Seven in 10 said that it will be more difficult for their employers to find the right talent in the future.

In addition, 65 percent said that their employers have a need for workers with STEM profiles. Similarly, analysis of vacancy data shows that the median advertising duration for a STEM vacancy is more than twice as long as compared to a non-STEM vacancy.