Changing professions: Which jobs are threatened with extinction in the digital era

Digitalization has changed almost all areas of our lives in recent decades and has had a particularly strong impact on the world of work. While new technologies and automation offer many opportunities, they also bring challenges – especially for certain occupational groups. Some traditional professions are on the brink of extinction or are undergoing profound changes due to the rapid development of digital technologies.

In this article, we look at which professions are particularly at risk and what steps companies and employees can take to prepare for these changes.

What is meant by “digital era”?

The digital era or digital age is an epoch characterized by the ubiquitous use of digital technologies. These technologies have the potential to influence almost all areas of life, from the way we work and communicate to the way we consume and learn. The digital era is characterized by the rapid spread of information technology, the development of the internet, the automation of processes and the increasing networking of people and machines. These developments are leading to profound changes in society, the economy and the world of work, and require both companies and individuals to be constantly willing to adapt and develop.

Why are jobs under threat in the digital era?

In the digital era, many jobs are under threat as technological advances are fundamentally changing the way we work. Automation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling machines to take over tasks that used to be done by humans. As a result, certain professions are becoming obsolete, as machines can often work more efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition, digitalization is speeding up many processes and services, replacing traditional working methods and reducing the need for human labor in certain areas.

At the same time, global networking enables companies to recruit workers worldwide, which increases pressure on local labor markets and puts jobs in certain regions at risk. New business models emerging in the digital economy are also increasingly relying on flexible workers such as freelancers or short-term employment, further undermining traditional job roles. Changing customer needs and increasing competitive pressures are forcing companies to adapt quickly and often rely on automated solutions, which in turn leads to a decrease in demand for human labor.

Endangered jobs

Here is an overview of the 7 jobs that are primarily threatened with extinction in the digital era:

1. Cashiers and simple sales professions

The rise of self-service checkouts and the increasing prevalence of online shopping platforms are putting cashiers and simple sales professions under great pressure. In many supermarkets and retail stores, self-scanning systems are now taking over the work that used to be done by cashiers. As a result of this development, the demand for workers in this area is continuously decreasing.

2. Postal and parcel delivery staff

Automation in the logistics sector is progressing rapidly. Parcel drones, autonomous delivery vehicles and robot-assisted warehouses are revolutionizing the shipping and delivery of goods. Postal and parcel delivery staff are therefore increasingly faced with the challenge of having their tasks automated. Companies are increasingly investing in technologies that increase efficiency while reducing the need for human labor.

3. Bank employees and simple financial services

The digitalization of the banking sector has led to a dramatic change. More and more customers are conducting their banking transactions online or via mobile apps, which is reducing the demand for traditional bank employees. In addition, algorithms and artificial intelligence are increasingly replacing simple financial services, such as managing accounts or processing loan applications. These developments are leading to a reduction in jobs in this area.

4. Production workers in the industry

Industry 4.0 is bringing about profound changes for manufacturing professions. Automated production lines, robots and intelligent machines are increasingly taking over tasks that used to be performed by people. Simple manufacturing jobs that focus on repetitive tasks are particularly affected. The need for workers in this area is being significantly reduced by the use of technology.

5. Travel agency employees

The boom in online travel portals has greatly reduced the demand for traditional travel agencies. More and more people are booking their trips independently via the internet without the help of travel agents. The increasing spread of personalized travel apps and algorithms that make individual travel suggestions is further accelerating this trend and threatening the existence of this profession.

6. Data entry and simple administrative tasks

Many simple administrative tasks and data entry jobs are at risk from digitalization and automation. Artificial intelligence and special software can process large amounts of data faster and more error-free than humans. This development means that many manual administrative tasks are becoming obsolete and the corresponding jobs are being cut.

7. Telemarketing and simple call center activities

The development of chatbots and automated voice assistants has had a significant impact on the call center industry. Many tasks that used to be performed by telemarketers or call center agents can now be efficiently handled by digital assistants. Not only is this technology more cost-effective, but it is also available around the clock, further reducing the need for human labor in this area.

How can companies and employees prepare?

In light of these developments, it is crucial that companies and employees respond proactively to change. Companies should invest in retraining and upskilling their employees to enable them to transition into new, future-proof roles. Professions in the field of digital transformation, IT security, data analysis and artificial intelligence, for example, offer promising prospects.

Employees should also actively pursue further training so as not to lose touch with the changing requirements of the world of work. Flexibility, lifelong learning and the willingness to acquire new skills are crucial to remaining successful in the digital era. Digital skills and technical know-how in particular are becoming increasingly important in order to meet the challenges of the future.

Conclusion

Digitalization is changing the world of work at a rapid pace and poses significant challenges for many traditional professions. While some professions are threatened with extinction, new opportunities are opening up in promising areas. Companies and employees who recognize the changes early on and actively prepare for them can take advantage of these opportunities and make a successful start to the digital future. At Persowerk, we support companies in mastering the transition to the digital world of work and equipping their workforce for the demands of the future.