The finance and real estate industry is constantly evolving, facing challenges related to advancing technology, cybersecurity, service availability, customer service, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. All these factors significantly impact the job market in this sector and shape the expectations that companies have for their employees and future candidates. The key global trends in finance and real estate and their implications for jobs are outlined in the ManpowerGroup’s “Financials & Real Estate World of Work” report.
Data presented in ManpowerGroup’s report indicate that both employees and companies can expect significant changes in the future. The main developmental trends in this area include focusing on the new role of the customer and consumer, the necessity of digitization and service diversification, the development of ESG strategies, combating cybercrime, and talent strengthening. Despite the challenges faced by the sector, reports show that finance and real estate companies plan to expand their teams in the coming months.
Poland’s finance and real estate sector aims to employ
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Barometer report also discusses the growth and companies’ eagerness to hire in this sector in Poland. The data suggests that in the fourth quarter of 2023, 32% of employers in the finance and real estate sector announce their plans to expand their teams, 6% anticipate having to make staff reductions, and 47% do not foresee any changes in their structures. The net employment forecast for this sector, reflecting recruitment trends from July to the end of September, is +26%, marking the highest score for this time of year among the eight sectors analysed.
According to Marta Szymańska, a labor market expert and permanent employment manager at Manpower, the recent years have seen dynamic changes shaping the finance and real estate sector. The net employment forecast of 26% indicates that the sector is experiencing significant growth. Candidates who want to remain attractive in the job market should demonstrate flexibility, proficiency in modern communication tools, openness to technological innovations, and readiness for continuous development.
Fighting cybercrime is a top priority
One of the most significant challenges for the finance and real estate sector is cybersecurity. As the number of cyberattacks and their sophistication continue to increase, it is becoming increasingly important to enhance organizations’ security measures. The finance and real estate sector has been grappling with this challenge for years, and developing artificial intelligence tools have the potential to aid organizations in this task. IBM estimates that the average cost of a data breach worldwide is $4.35 million. In the U.S., these losses are even higher, averaging $9.44 million.
Top-notch new technologies join forces with unique human traits
The modern consumer expects a positive brand experience, whether using a mobile app, browsing a website, or visiting a brick-and-mortar location. The ManpowerGroup report indicates that this is an area where new technologies and human interaction must converge. Even as the world heads towards digital banking and finance, the importance of offering comprehensive customer experiences, flexibility in services, and bonuses to customers remains paramount.
ESG is no longer a choice but a necessity
ESG is also gaining relevance in the finance and real estate industry. Bank of America predicts that to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the annual global investments from financial institutions will have to increase to $4 trillion yearly over the next seven years. Similarly, investors and other stakeholders increasingly regard ESG actions as a business indicator. Consequently, companies are expected to have robust ESG strategies and implementations, shaping not only their operations but also the skills and competencies they look for in employees and future candidates.
