Forbes: the new world of work needs a new social contract.

The new world of work is here. The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation at a speed that we have never seen before. While as many as 2.1 million jobs might be gained by 2025 as a result of the rapid digitalization, there is now a pressing need to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills required for these new jobs.

According to Randstad’s recent Workmonitor survey, however, 40 percent of workers are struggling to learn new skills. One of the reasons behind this could be that organizations are only offering skilling opportunities to some, but not all, employees.

To tackle the growing skills gap issue, organizations need to democratize skilling. Governments and universities also have a role to play in providing more reskilling efforts to all workers.

“While this transformation offers many positives for organizations and workers alike, it also highlighted gaps in skills and social protections that threaten millions of workers,” writes Rebecca Henderson, executive board member and CEO of Global Businesses at Randstad.

“It’s now more critical than ever that stakeholders work together to create a new social contract that provides equitable and inclusive opportunities for all workers in this ever-evolving digital labor market.”

Read Henderson’s full article in Forbes for more insights on how to build a more fair and equal workplace in the new world of work. You can also get your exclusive copy of the Q2 issue of Talent Trends Quarterly, “The rise of the agile workforce,” to learn more about other HR trends that are shaping the workforce right now.