Dive Brief:
- Recent job growth has been driven by many factors, including rapid technology innovation, the on-demand culture, lifestyle changes, the gig economy, globalization, advances in medicine and increased infrastructure spending, according to a report from CareerBuilder based on data from its market analysis branch, Emsi.
- Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder, said in a press release that constant connectivity is the factor that is at the heart of these labor market trends. The more people are able to use technology to connect, communicate and innovate in a global market, the more new jobs will be created.
- Careers in STEM industries continue to dominate the market, but the gig economy is quickly expanding, the data shows.
Dive Insight:
CareerBuilder's study seems to echo other recent findings. People are increasingly reliant on staying connected via mobile devices, the Internet, and other forms of media. For employees, this means the flexibility to work when and where they want to. Organizations that embrace this trend could have an edge in attracting quality talent.
The report also points out the effects that the shift toward independent work is having on the labor market. While the full effect of course remains to be seen, experts are predicting that 60% of the workforce will be independent professionals by 2027. Employers will want to keep an eye not only on that shift but other changes that come as a result, namely legislative and regulatory reactions.
