Challenging times – What the future of work in Austria looks like

Now not a day goes by without people talking about these 3Rs, AKNÖ chairman Markus Wieser said happily in his speech to the more than a hundred attendees. Continuing this work on the “3Rs”, science, research, industry, interest groups, students and specialists of the future have gathered here in Hirschwang for the first knowledge forum. Supported by, among others, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Commission.

Changes are only possible in collaboration with the employees
Hubert Gambs, deputy. General Director. and SME Coordinator of the Directorate General for International Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs at the European Commission, emphasized in his speech the importance of employee participation. “Structural efforts can only be achieved in cooperation with workers,” said Gambs, who highlighted the Austrian social partnership as exemplary for the whole of Europe.

At EU level, Gambs pointed out the following points: The European “Green Deal” aims to make Europe climate neutral and competitive. At the same time, the EU has also concluded agreements with other countries for rules-based open trade around the world. For example, in the event that supply chains are interrupted, the EU promotes the development of chip factories in Europe. Networks of clusters and industrial alliances of companies are also supported. For example, the Styrian-Carinthian “Greentech Valley”.

High-quality jobs for satisfied workers are a prerequisite for the EU’s economic success. “Ultimately it is the EU member states that are decisive; it is about social connectedness in our society,” Gambs concludes.

The challenges of the future
The topics of the forum covered the changing world of work and the challenges of the future, including the need to promote adaptation and reorientation in working life. The difficulties in finding qualified personnel in certain areas were also discussed. Another point of focus was the role of the EU in promoting competitiveness and climate neutrality. It was emphasized that quality jobs are essential for economic success, with EU Member States playing a key role.

Finally, the challenges for Generation Z were highlighted. The young generation is confronted with a complex working world that requires flexibility and adaptability. Youth researcher Barbara Großegger’s research was presented, highlighting the needs and expectations of young workers.

They see their personal future optimistically and that of society pessimistically. At the same time, only one percent of young people today say they live a carefree life. This deeply contradictory attitude is due to the fact that these young people have been socialized in years of permanent crisis, from Covid to the war in Ukraine to the unresolved permanent construction site of climate change. This is the requirement for today’s youth: find your way in a very complex post-growth society.

There is great uncertainty when it comes to artificial intelligence: almost a third of students surveyed expect AI to take away all their work or leave only the tedious and boring work. Only a sixth of students hope for improvements through artificial intelligence.

Adaptability as a strength of Generation Z
This high level of contradictions is also reflected in what Generation Z expects from their environment and from the working world: on the one hand, they have a great need for security and they find continuity and stability more important than has been the case for a long time. time. At the same time, there is a low willingness to commit to the current job. Generation Z changes jobs more often than older workers and sees adaptability as a strength: “Young people are open to options that they initially did not think about. But we have to offer the possibilities,” says youth researcher Großegger.