Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/1102066
MAY 2019 2 Women transforming the workplace Nearly a third of working Canadian women are worried about losing their jobs to technology in the coming five to 10 years. The women most con- cerned about job loss are employed in IT, retail and customer service. These were findings from a recent collaborative study conducted by staffing firm Randstad Canada and research firm Ipsos. The study, focused on issues re- lated to innovation and technological transformation in the world of work, is based on interviews conducted with a sample of 1,201 Canadian women aged 18 and over. The study also found that 73 per cent of the women interviewed cited their capacity to adapt to new tech- nology as "the most important skill needed over the next decade." Randstad also reached out to successful women in organizations across Canada in putting together a white paper, Women Transforming the Workplace: Transformational Ideas to Build Innovative Workplaces. Here are more of their findings and recommendations: E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 customersupport.legaltaxcanada @tr.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2019 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $199. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's The way we work is changing "To thrive in a world driven by technology, embracing innova- tion is a must. That's especially true for women, who are cur- rently underrepresented in rapidly growing STEM fields. Women bring a wealth of future-proof soft skills to the table: creativity, leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, among many others. We have a unique opportunity to use technology to enhance these natural capabilities and strengths and shape the future of work." Work arrangements need flexibility "The average woman spends 50 per cent more time on house- hold maintenance and childcare than her partner. This dual role can be a critical factor holding women back at work." "More flexible work initiatives that allow women to successfully balance both family and work obli- gations will be essential if we are to build a pipeline of female leaders." Soft skills are increasingly in demand "Technology's expansion has resulted in an increased desire for human touch. While automa- tion may eliminate low-skill roles that can be replicated by ma- chines, the job market segment centred around social skills won't be replaced anytime soon." "Skills involving creativity, deci- sion making, intuition, leader- ship, communication, collabora- tion, adaptability, and storytelling (to name a few) are increasing in importance." Implement reverse mentorship "Reverse mentorship entails established professionals working closely with and listening to the ideas of young, up-and-coming professionals or students." "Young women have unique insights and skills, particularly related to technology and digital media. Incorporating their thinking and ideas can help organizations become more inclusive and in- novative. Complex projects benefit from team members with different perspectives and experiences." Focus on leadership, not just skills "Technical skills can be an incredible outlet for innovative thinking, but they're not the only way to innovate. Innovation demands creative thinking, the ability to collect and reconcile diverse viewpoints, articulation of a clear vision, and willingness to challenge the status quo, among other things. Women embody many of these traits." Credit: Paket (single paperclip)/ puttapong jitrakyad (Shutterstock)