The hottest Workforce Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Africa's Hustle Generation: Ambition, Innovation, Opportunity

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 146 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investment Workforce Innovation
  1. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with many young people entering the workforce. This could lead Africa to play a bigger role in global growth by 2030.
  2. There is a thriving start-up culture in Africa, especially in technology and finance. Companies are getting more funding and creating new job opportunities.
  3. As more people in Africa move to cities, the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship increases. Urban centers are becoming major hubs for new businesses and investments.

AI: Productivity vs Performance

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Workforce AI Impact Productivity
  1. AI can create both big opportunities and greater inequalities in the workforce. While some people will thrive, others might struggle even more.
  2. Current pay models based on time may not work well anymore. Focusing on how much work gets done, rather than just hours worked, could be better for both companies and employees.
  3. The future job market may see more freelancers and solopreneurs. Schools should prepare students for entrepreneurship, as many people might choose to work for themselves.

Who Will Be the Japan of the AI Era?

European Straits • 40 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business AI Production Innovation Economics Workforce
  1. Countries or regions that can best adapt their institutions to support AI technology will be the leaders in the AI era, similar to how Japan led in manufacturing with its innovative practices.
  2. Lean production showcased that the real breakthroughs come from rethinking how to organize and manage work rather than solely relying on new technologies. AI has the potential to do the same in knowledge work today.
  3. Successful integration of AI will require cooperation across entire supply chains, not just within individual companies, similar to how Japanese companies thrived through partnerships and collaboration.

✨ The Age of AI, an update: A Quick Q&A with … economist Michael Strain

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Productivity Economy Workforce
  1. Generative AI has the potential to change how businesses work and boost productivity, but we are still in the early stages of using it in everyday jobs.
  2. It's important for workers, especially in white-collar jobs, to adapt by learning to use AI tools to enhance their productivity and value to employers.
  3. Instead of fearing job loss, workers should focus on developing new skills that complement AI, allowing them to stay relevant in their fields.

The Japanification of Work: Lessons from an Ageing Nation

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Workforce Economy Demographics Health Technology
  1. Japan is facing a major challenge with an aging population, as more people are over 65 than under 5. This creates pressure on the economy and social systems.
  2. To tackle the labor shortage, Japan is using technology like robots and exoskeletons to support care workers and assist the elderly. Employers are also adjusting work policies to help older workers.
  3. Other countries can learn from Japan's approach to handle aging populations by rethinking retirement, encouraging women in the workforce, and being open to skilled immigration.
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Moving Mental Mountains

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1369 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Economics Management Workforce
  1. Now it's easier and cheaper to explore data and insights, so we should be more curious and take the time to investigate our 'I wonder' moments.
  2. Emotional reactions often replace actual work, and we need to focus on doing the analytical tasks instead of just responding emotionally.
  3. When analyzing data, start small and make sure your findings are accurate. Sharing what you learn can help you grow and encourage collective knowledge.

Five Reasons To Be Optimistic About Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 390 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Workforce Entrepreneurship Remote work Hiring Trends Economic Indicators
  1. Many employers plan to hire more workers, making 2025 a good year for job opportunities. This growth is seen globally, especially in countries like India and the U.S.
  2. The Misery Index, which measures economic discomfort, is low, suggesting overall economic conditions are relatively stable. However, it doesn't account for every hardship faced by workers.
  3. Remote work is becoming more common, giving people the flexibility to work in comfortable environments. Digital tools are also allowing individuals to create their own businesses, leading to more ways to earn money.

AI Blogger Declares AI Will Take Every Job Except Blogging (About AI)

The Algorithmic Bridge • 435 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Blogging Workforce Ethics Automation
  1. AI is expected to replace many jobs, but blogging about AI is seen as safe from automation. This is because it requires a unique human touch and deep understanding.
  2. AI writing often lacks personality and can produce shallow content. This makes human writers still valuable to bring freshness and relatability to their work.
  3. Some critics believe AI is fast and can churn out content that many readers enjoy, even if it's not deeply insightful. This shows there's diverse opinions on the role of AI in writing.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

Top Links 564 Who, actually, works for the government? Trump and world trade. Leaving Illinois and the agony of Haiti.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Workforce Military Trade Security
  1. Only a small portion, about 2%, of the US workforce is employed by the federal government. It's interesting to see how few people actually work directly for the government.
  2. If half of the federal workers were fired, a big chunk of those remaining would be in military or security-related jobs. This shows how much of the federal workforce is tied to defense.
  3. The discussion about government jobs and employment raises important questions about efficiency and how the system is structured. It's worth thinking about what that means for America.

Who Is Owed a Job?

Marginally Compelling • 20 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Education Social Issues Workforce Inequality
  1. Blaming individuals for job market issues is not fair. The social contract has changed, and many can't find jobs that match their skills.
  2. There's a concern over college graduates taking low-skilled jobs after investing so much time and money in their education. It feels wrong to work in food service when you studied for something more advanced.
  3. People are arguing about job choices but often misunderstand each other's views. Some think college-educated workers believe they are above other jobs, while others emphasize that all work is valuable.

2034 – A Day in the Working Life

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Economy Education Innovation Future of work
  1. In 2034, people have a Lifelong Learning Wallet to improve their skills without the burden of debt. This allows everyone to access education based on their abilities, not their financial situation.
  2. Work has become flexible and collaborative, with projects matching people's skills and interests. Workers earn digital tokens for their contributions, which helps them feel more connected and motivated.
  3. Society now values all contributions, including care work, and uses technology to fairly distribute resources. This new system supports faster solutions to pressing issues like climate change and health crises.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 179 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Workforce Corporate Trends Layoffs Recruitment
  1. News headlines often leave out important details about the people involved. It's good to dig deeper to understand the full story behind a headline.
  2. Business changes, like layoffs or expansions, greatly affect workers and communities. Keeping track of these changes helps us see the bigger picture.
  3. If you know of any interesting news stories that focus on people, sharing them can create better discussions. There's always room for more insights and stories.

Retiring Retirement

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Retirement Finance Workforce Economics Pensions
  1. The old idea of retiring at a fixed age is outdated as people are living longer and healthier lives. Instead of stopping work completely, we might consider blending work and leisure throughout our lives.
  2. It's important to take charge of our financial futures by saving separately and planning for our expenses when we stop traditional work. Building financial independence can help us make choices based on what we truly want.
  3. Finding work that is fulfilling and matches our values can make us not want to retire in the traditional sense. The goal is to create a life where work feels meaningful instead of just a job to escape from.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📰 News Business Workforce Trends Corporate
  1. There is often much more to a news story than what the headline says. It's important to look deeper for the real stories behind the news.
  2. Business and workforce changes impact real people. Understanding these changes can help us connect with the human side of the news.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share interesting news ideas. This helps capture stories that matter and highlights human experiences.

Resilient Cyber Newsletter #4

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Vulnerability Management Regulation Workforce
  1. Cybersecurity roles are becoming more competitive, and many people want to join the field. It's important to have standards, but we also need to make sure newcomers have a chance to enter the profession.
  2. There's a huge increase in cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making it harder for companies to keep up. Organizations need better ways to manage these vulnerabilities to protect against attacks.
  3. The conversation around AI in cybersecurity is rising, with discussions on how to use it securely and the risks involved. Transparency is key to building trust, especially after high-profile breaches.

Things don't only get better

imperfect offerings • 379 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Climate Workforce Education Models
  1. Improvements in AI models are not always guaranteed, as evidenced by instances of models getting worse over time due to tweaks and updates.
  2. Investment in AI technology is booming, generating wealth for billionaires while possibly hindering investment in viable low-carbon tech solutions for climate change.
  3. The narrative surrounding AI portrays it as a powerful force for the future, but practical solutions for climate crisis require more than just technological advancements - they also need systemic changes and investments.

How Old Are You?

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Workforce Demographics Startups Trends
  1. OpenAI's team has a wide age range, not just young programmers. They have people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s.
  2. Unlike early tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, OpenAI shows a trend of older founders leading the way.
  3. Sam Altman thinks having older people in tech could be a sign of something wrong in society, but he also notes that older founders tend to be more successful.

The Truth About H-2B Visas

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 196 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Workforce Economy Tech industry
  1. H-1B visas are often seen as a way for companies to pay lower wages and keep salaries down for American workers. This creates a situation where employers have more power over employees who depend on these visas.
  2. Many tech companies use H-1B workers to fill jobs, especially during layoffs of American workers, which leads to a feeling of competition and insecurity among those workers.
  3. The system appears to benefit companies financially while putting pressure on both H-1B workers and American employees, leading to questions about fairness and ethics in the job market.

People.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 60 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Strategy Transformation Technology Workforce
  1. Companies can make plans for change, but it's really the people who need to adapt for those changes to happen. If the changes aren't good for people, they won't work.
  2. While technology like AI is important, it's the people using it that will truly make a difference in a business. Great talent and leadership can help a company reimagine itself successfully.
  3. Transforming a company takes time because people change slowly. Companies need to start preparing early for any big shifts in their industry.

How to get more male teachers

Of Boys and Men • 95 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Policy Workforce Gender Employment
  1. There is a significant drop in the number of male teachers, especially in secondary schools, where their share has fallen from 48% to 36%. This means fewer male role models in middle and high schools.
  2. Many men enter teaching later in life, often switching from other careers. About 25% of male teachers come from different professions, indicating a need for easier pathways into education.
  3. Men are more likely to leave teaching for other careers or further education compared to women. This suggests that improving job satisfaction and financial benefits could help retain more male teachers in the field.

You Are Fired

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 419 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💼 Business Technology Automation Workforce Economics Trends
  1. Many companies are laying off employees because of automation technology, especially AI. This can cause a lot of job insecurity for workers.
  2. Paytm recently laid off nearly 1000 employees to shift towards becoming a complete AI company. This shows how businesses are changing to incorporate new tech.
  3. This trend of job cuts due to AI is expected to continue into 2024. Workers need to be aware of these changes in the job market.

Latest from AI Roller Coaster: Disruptive Nausea

Day Zero: Always Learning • 85 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Startups Infrastructure Investment Workforce Business Models
  1. AI infrastructure is getting super crowded and costs are rising, which may lead to a shake-up in who leads this space. Companies need to find new angles to succeed, like offering something unique or targeting a niche.
  2. AI observability is a hot trend right now, with many startups focusing on helping businesses check if their AI models are really working. Measuring success with AI tools is still a big challenge that needs to be figured out.
  3. The way companies operate is going to change a lot because of AI, creating a mix of specialized skills and generalist abilities. Traditional roles may get transformed or even replaced as companies rethink how they do business.

AI Steals the Show at WEF 2024

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 319 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Workforce Education Regulation Economic Impact
  1. AI was the main topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, showing how important it is becoming. Everyone talked about how we need to adopt AI quickly and talk about its effects.
  2. Education and retraining workers are key issues with AI's rise. Many discussions focused on how people can learn new skills to keep up with the changing job market.
  3. In India, only 26% of the workforce is exposed to AI, much lower than in advanced economies. This means there's a lot of room for growth in using AI in local jobs and industries.

Japan's Semiconductor Red Carpet

Interconnected • 447 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Government support Global expansion Workforce
  1. Japan's semiconductor industry is making a strong effort to attract TSMC and boost chip manufacturing through government support and strategic investments.
  2. Kumamoto in Japan is proving to be a successful hub for TSMC with speedy construction, substantial government subsidies, and efforts to welcome and retain Taiwanese employees.
  3. Soft touches like cultural support, language programs, and local community integration are enhancing the success of TSMC's venture in Kumamoto, highlighting the importance of human factors in high-tech industries.

AI as Symptom and Dream

SCIENCE GODDESS • 393 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Workforce Community Data
  1. Many AI researchers are calling for a pause in advanced AI research due to concerns about potential apocalyptic scenarios.
  2. There is a need to question the motives and proposed solutions of prominent AI organizations and figureheads.
  3. Ethical considerations around AI should focus on issues like worker exploitation and power concentration, rather than just sensationalized fears of AI surpassing humanity.

Towards a new Golden Generation

Japan Optimist • 216 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
💼 Business Workforce Economics Jobs Corporate culture Labor Market
  1. Japan's young generation is set to be economically better off than their parents due to demographic changes.
  2. As labor supply decreases, wages and job quality are increasing in Japan, leading to a rise in full-time job creation.
  3. There is a shift in Japan towards valuing and investing in human capital as the country moves towards a new golden age for its young generation.

The rise of AI work

The AI Frontier • 5 HN points • 22 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Productivity Workforce Automation
  1. AI products should focus on automating work that humans often find tedious. This helps measure their true value to consumers and businesses.
  2. Companies can choose to specialize deeply in one area or offer a broad service across multiple tasks. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Finding a middle ground might be beneficial, as it allows companies to manage a workflow that spans several tasks, though they should focus on making sure their quality remains high.

Noah Smith, I Don't Buy The Comparative Advantage Argument

Am I Stronger Yet? • 141 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Economics Future implications Workforce Artificial Intelligence
  1. Economic models based on comparative advantage may not hold in a future dominated by AI.
  2. The argument that people will always adapt to new jobs due to comparative advantage overlooks issues like lower quality work by humans compared to AI and transactional overhead.
  3. In a world with advanced AI, confident predictions based on past economic principles may not fully apply, raising questions about societal implications and the role of humans.

Navigating the Fourth Wave of the Pandemic: Questions Employers Must Address

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 341 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Workforce Economic Impact Burnout Pandemic
  1. The lasting repercussions of the pandemic on the workforce are now being felt, with a focus on mental illness, economic injury, and burnout.
  2. The first three waves of the pandemic brought devastating impacts on health systems and mortality rates globally.
  3. Employers must address workforce challenges arising from illness, burnout, and economic inactivity by making smart decisions and implementing evidence-based solutions.

The Case of the Missing Employees

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💼 Business Leadership Workforce Values Success Communication
  1. The CEO's annual letter to shareholders at Amazon did not mention employees or associates, creating a significant absence in acknowledging the workforce's role in the company's success.
  2. The letter also lacked expressions of trust, gratitude, or appreciation, showcasing a lack of recognition for the human element within Amazon and its outcomes.
  3. No mention of Amazon's Leadership Principles in the CEO's communication suggests a shift away from the foundational values that once guided the company's operations, indicating a potential change in cultural direction.

Cybersecurity Workforce Woes

Resilient Cyber • 1 HN point • 16 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Workforce Education Employment
  1. The cybersecurity job market is confusing, with many positions unfilled while experienced professionals struggle to find jobs. This suggests a mismatch between job demands and qualifications.
  2. Budget cuts are affecting cybersecurity staffing and resources, causing many companies to hire only to replace existing employees rather than expand. This reflects a general slowdown in budget growth for security initiatives.
  3. There are challenges for new entrants trying to break into cybersecurity jobs due to high experience requirements and a lack of practical opportunities. Many educated candidates still find it hard to secure roles, leading to frustration.

Building a Collage of Evidence To Boost Workforce Serendipity and Innovation

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 146 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
💼 Business Workforce Innovation Leadership Employer Branding Employee Management
  1. Professor Claudia Goldin's research challenges myths about women's participation in the workforce.
  2. Increasing workforce serendipity requires proactive work-design strategies like cross-team collaboration and open spaces.
  3. Large employers are using employer branding and leadership strategies to attract diverse talent pools.

Five grand challenges of offshore wind financing in the United States

Jérôme à Paris • 121 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💰 Finance Renewable Energy Investment Workforce Regulation Infrastructure
  1. Offshore wind energy in the U.S. faces challenges like financing in early stages, policy support, workforce development, transmission barriers, and scaling floating wind technologies.
  2. There is a need for structural changes and alignment across various sectors to support the rapid growth of offshore wind energy in the U.S.
  3. Despite challenges, the U.S. has favorable conditions for offshore wind energy expansion and overcoming obstacles requires collaboration between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and regulators.