Megatrends Affecting the Labour Market for 2022

More than two years since its outbreak, the pandemic continues to overturn our lives and conventional wisdom about how the world works. Ahead of its forthcoming conference ‘Future Proofing Your Career – Global Megatrends, Forging New Paths”, sponsored by EY Ireland, the Irish Project Management Institute (PMI) has revealed Six Megatrends emerging for 2022, all with the potential to have a continued impact on both business and society, from digital disruption to movements for equality that are reshaping Ireland and every corner of the globe.

The conference will also share insights from PMI Research, which shows retirement rates and economic growth will drive global demand for 25 million new project-orientated professionals by 2030. This translates into more than 15,000 new project management-oriented roles needed in Ireland by 2030 to not only deliver business-as-usual strategic change, but also to facilitate the change related to the Megatrends.

The conference which takes place this Wednesday, 18th May in Croke Park, will highlight the gap we will have in addressing key global trends and societal changes related to our climate crisis, digital disruption and real long-term equality.

Attendees will hear a diverse range of perspectives and insights from leading experts into these Six Megatrends:

1. Digital Disruption – Rapid and sustained technological change is a guarantee. Get ready to transition to a future built on digital progress.

2. Climate Crisis – Measures to address climate change are falling short across the globe. Know what practices to implement to promote sustainability.

3. Demographic Shifts – An aging workforce presents challenges in a project-based economy. Start developing the next generation of workers now to avert a talent crisis.

4. Economic Shifts – Apply new strategies to build economic resilience. Find ways to facilitate continued global cooperation and knowledge sharing.

5. Labour Shortages – Historic labour shortages are shaking the global economy. Shift to the world of work that promises to last for decades to come.

6. Civil, Civic and Equality Movements – Create conditions where all can thrive. Embrace different perspectives to improve outcomes.

There is a huge opportunity for project professionals and changemakers to get skilled-up to drive the changes needed for our competitiveness, our society, and our planet. There are currently over 50,000 professionals employed in project management across Ireland, from public sector, construction and pharmaceuticals to information technology, financial services and manufacturing. Project Management is one of the most sectoral mobile skillsets a person can have.

President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI, Jackie Fagan, said “The pace of change in today’s world resulting from Covid and other challenges is something we haven’t experienced before. We need to adopt a more strategic mindset, a higher level of flexibility, and a better understanding of the global events that will affect our organisations and projects.”

Keynote speaker, Niall Breslin, will share the lessons he has learned from his fascinating and varied career, with a particular focus on the importance of civil, civic and equality movements and positively managing your mental health. Kieran McCorry, National Technology Officer Microsoft Ireland, will share his thoughts on Digital Disruption and how the adoption of disruptive technologies such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports significant improvement in meeting or exceeding business objectives.

Also scheduled to speak is Breda O’Toole, IDA Head of Talent Transformation and Innovation, who will speak about how organisations will need to find new ways to alleviate worker shortages and close the talent gap. Stephen Prendiville, Head of Sustainability EY will speak about how sustainability will need to be built into every project and process if the world is to arrest the most damaging effects of global warming. Bringing it all together will be broadcaster and MC Taragh Loughrey-Grant.

Headline sponsor EY Ireland’s Jennifer Ryan, Head of Transformation Delivery, EY Business Consulting said “We are delighted to sponsor the Project Management Institute’s 2022 Conference where the theme of ‘Future Proofing Your Career’ could not be more relevant. The world is in the midst of a transformative age where entire industries are being disrupted the business environment is marked by near-constant change. But at EY we believe disruption creates opportunity. And we know that the most effective leaders are willing to constantly question, learn and transform, to ultimately help find solutions to the biggest challenges faced by our world today.”