Dr Abhilasha Gaur lists out aspiring & promising career opportunities in the ESDM industry 2024

Dr Abhilasha Gaur,  Chief Operating Officer, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India

The Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector is at the cusp of a major growth phase - poised to rise like voltage through a resistor. Demand for electronics products is surging as rapidly as current through a superconductor. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gadgets are energizing the Global and Indian market. At the same time, the push for Make in India and Digital India is catalysing growth - like doping silicon with atoms.

From appliances to automation, electronics have become ingrained into every facet of our lives. The PCBs, chips and sensors form the nervous system that powers our gadgets, devices and machines. The electronics industry is currently in the midst of a significant growth spurt, with rising revenues, innovations, and opportunities creating a high demand for qualified workers. Electrifying opportunities lie ahead for skilled professionals. So, charge your enthusiasm, expand your knowledge, and get set to launch into an electronics career that will shine like a supernova. The only thing stopping the brightest paths from being discovered are your creative ideas. The outlook for 2024 is sparky and bright. Are you ready to switch careers and become part of India's electronics growth story? Here are 5 career roles that are expected to be in high demand in 2024: 

Embedded Systems Engineer 

With electronics and internet-connected devices becoming more compact yet sophisticated, there has been a rising demand for qualified embedded systems engineers who can design and program the complex integrated circuits and small microprocessors that go into smart devices. From home appliances and wearable gadgets to automotive systems and industrial equipment, embedded technology runs the show behind the scenes. They are the backbone of modern electronics found in consumer devices, automobiles, industrial equipment, and more.  

The complexity and demand for embedded devices have surged with rising automation, IoT and focus on localization of electronics manufacturing in India. This has created increased demand for skilled embedded systems engineers who can design, develop and maintain embedded firmware, hardware and software. As per a LinkedIn Emerging Jobs report, embedded software development is one of the top emerging jobs. 

Key skills required are expertise in languages like RTOS, working with various SoC architectures, interface protocols like UART, SPI, I2C, CAN etc. and tools such as Visual Studio, Eclipse IDE. Electronics engineers with relevant embedded training and certification have a strong advantage. Testing, debugging and analysing the software are an integral part of the role.

According to NASSCOM, India's embedded engineer workforce will need to grow 6X from 180,000 in 2018 to 1.2 million by 2025 to meet domestic demand. The average salary of embedded engineers in India ranges from ₹5 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum for freshers, going up to ₹25 lakhs for mid to senior roles.

Mechatronics Engineer 

Modern automobiles employ a wide array of electronics to enhance performance, safety, comfort, and passenger experience. Foundational electrical systems have now advanced into much more complex domains like smart infotainment, driver assistance technologies, electric powertrain systems and autonomous driving capabilities. This evolution within automotive electronics is creating promising avenues for qualified engineering professionals. In manufacturing, you could design automated systems and robots using PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), sensors, actuators, and drives. You may also work on SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to remotely monitor equipment and processes through HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces).

As per McKinsey & Co estimates, electronics systems already account for 40% of automotive costs and their share is expected to grow over 50% by 2030. Disruptive trends like vehicle electrification, connected mobility and self-driving will further accelerate electronics innovation in the automotive sector. 

Automotive electronics engineers require specialised knowledge spanning computer engineering, electrical/electronic circuits, software programming as well as vehicle design and mechanics. Key focus areas include designing ECUs (engine control unit), ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), infotainment systems, telematics, lighting systems etc. Automotive communications protocols like CAN bus and FlexRay are also covered. Engineers in this field must stay updated with the latest breakthroughs in AI, sensors, battery technology to excel.

The automotive sector in India has witnessed steady growth with domestic sales projected to reach $300 billion and exports to $80 billion by 2026. Automotive electronics engineers earn attractive pay packages ranging from ₹5 lakhs per annum for freshers to over ₹18 lakhs for engineers with over 6 years of experience.

VLSI Design Engineer

VLSI refers to the integration of millions of transistors onto a single silicon chip to build complex integrated circuits and microprocessors. VLSI design engineers are responsible for designing, testing and developing VLSI chips and electronic components. Increased focus on electronics manufacturing and applications across automotive, consumer electronics, telecom, and other sectors has amplified the demand for skilled VLSI design engineers in India.

Engineers proficient in tools like Cadence, Mentor Graphics, programming languages such as Verilog, VHDL and key concepts of digital logic design and semiconductor fabrication are highly valued. Hands-on experience with FPGA prototyping is an added advantage. 

Aspiring VLSI engineers must gain expertise in areas like VLSI circuits, semiconductor physics, design verification, signal processing, chip design and layout. Knowledge of hardware description languages like Verilog and VHDL along with simulation tools is imperative. VLSI engineers collaborate closely with design teams to deliver optimized chip architectures. With scaling of device geometries, design complexities are increasing. Adaptability to evolving standards and tools will be key. VLSI is one of the highest-paying engineering specializations in India, with average salaries ranging from ₹7 lakhs per annum for freshers going up to ₹25 lakhs for experienced roles. 

PCB Design and Manufacturing

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and manufacturing is a key field in electronics engineering dealing with the design, testing and fabrication of PCBs that provide the foundation for almost all electronic devices and systems. As a PCB design engineer, you would use CAD software tools like Altium, OrCAD, Eagle etc to design the layout of a PCB including the components, connections, layers, footprints as per the circuit schematics and requirements. You need strong skills in schematic capture, component library management, routing, signal integrity, electromagnetic compatibility and PCB fabrication processes. You would work closely with circuit designers and electronics engineers to create the gerber files needed for PCB production.

In PCB manufacturing, you would work in positions like process engineering, equipment engineering, quality control etc. This involves knowledge of PCB fabrication techniques like photolithography, etching, drilling, plating, solder masking, automated optical and x-ray inspection. You would monitor the PCB production process flow and maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot the equipment. You would also be responsible for testing the fabricated PCBs against specifications and ensuring quality standards.

With the growth in consumer electronics, IoT, defence systems and industrial automation, there is increasing demand for more compact, efficient and reliable PCBs. As a PCB design and manufacturing engineer, you get to work on cutting-edge electronics products in fields like automotive, aerospace, consumer appliances, medical devices etc. It provides opportunities to travel and work in fabrication facilities worldwide. With your expertise in both design and manufacturing, you can build a rewarding career in the electronics industry.

The Indian PCB design and manufacturing market is growing rapidly. According to a report by IMARC Group, the Indian PCB market is expected to reach US$ 11.8 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.6% during 2023-2028. Several factors are fuelling the expansion of the Indian PCB market, including the burgeoning Indian electronics sector, heightened consumer demand for electronics products, and the widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). If you are interested in becoming a PCB designer, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, you should consider pursuing a degree in electronics engineering or a related field. You can also gain experience by working as an intern or apprentice in a PCB design and manufacturing company.

Drone Specialist

The drone ecosystem in India is poised for massive growth, with the sector projected to grow at 30% CAGR through 2025. Liberalized drone policies and increased adoption of drone technology across agriculture, mining, defence, logistics, entertainment and other sectors has opened up numerous opportunities for drone specialists. 

Drone specialists are essentially electronics engineers who conceptualize, design, develop, assemble, program and maintain unmanned aerial vehicles. They need strong expertise in embedded systems to build flight controllers, expertise in electronics hardware design to create reliable power systems, motors and batteries, knowledge of sensors, wireless communication systems, materials science and autonomous flight control algorithms using robotics and computer vision.

Drone specialists find roles in UAV/drone technology startups that are mushrooming in India, service providers that operate drone fleets, drone consultancies that advise enterprises on drone adoption as well as companies from end-user sectors like mining, agriculture, surveillance, mapping etc that leverage drones extensively. The average salary for drone specialists in India ranges from ₹4-7 lakhs per annum for freshers and can go up to ₹15-18 lakhs per annum for engineers with more than 5 years of experience. With strong growth anticipated in the Indian drone landscape, there are rich opportunities for electronics engineers who specialized in this futuristic domain. 

ESDM sector looks more promising than ever

The electronics sector is experiencing significant growth, with the government's commitment to the sector and the increasing demand for electronic products driving the growth. The sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from electronic and electrical engineers to product safety engineers and semiconductor engineers. As new technologies continue to emerge, the demand for skilled electronics professionals will grow, and the industry will need innovative thinkers and problem-solvers to drive its forward. By exploring these career opportunities and the various industries they serve, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational and career paths in the electronics sector.

(Dr Abhilasha Gaur is the Chief Operating Officer, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI)

My connections with India date back to my childhood - Kong Xianhua, the Chinese Consul General

Kong Xianhua, Consul General of China in Mumbai

Commending on India's significant achievements in 2023, the Chinese Consul General Kong Xianhua, struck an optimistic outlook for India and China, and he opined that extensive cooperation between the neighboring countries could result in remarkable achievement and harvest for both Sino-Indian relations. 

Amid the current difficult times between the two countries, and recalling watching Raj Kapoor's film  Awaara during his childhood, Mr Kong Xianhua, Consul General of China in Mumbai, opened up about his vision for a greater co-operation and collaboration between India and China speaking exclusively to Paresh B Mehta, editor of Universal Newsline. 

What is your individual perspective regarding the booming Indian economy? 

India’s economic growth ranks the first place among all major economies in 2023. There is no doubt that India has become a key economic powerhouse in the world. India is making great efforts in developing manufacturing, infrastructure and digitalization, which are the pillars to sustain India’s fast growth in the future. Without being noticed, China and India have conducted extensive cooperation in those fields. In fact, China and India are highly complementary in various aspects. I’m pretty sure as long as China and India cooperate closely with each other, both the countries will reach our own development goal.  

Could you briefly list about China's progress in the year gone by?

China’s GDP has grown by 5.2% to over $17.7 trillion USD in 2023 and contributed over 30% of the global economic growth, remaining the main engine of global economy. With 41.76 trillion yuan of export and import value, China has secured its position as the largest trader of goods for 7 consecutive years. China's auto export exceeded 5 million last year, pushing it to be the No.1 auto exporter in the world. 

India and China should co-operate closely to reach our own developmental goal. That is true, but what are the Chinese government's initiatives to welcome more tourists from India? And what are further steps required for the same?

Starting from March, 2023, we fully resumed the acceptance of all types of visa applications including tourist and business visas. We have issued over 50,000 visas in 2023, a fifty-fold increase compared to 2022, among which business visas are over 40,000 and tourists visas are over 1,000.

The visa application is becoming easier and more convenient. We have streamlined visa application procedures, application forms and required materials, implemented temporary fee reductions for visa applicants. Applicants can get their visas in only 4 days.

Indian tourists to China are not enough. The main reason behind is that there is no direct flight nowadays. I do hope that the Indian government will come up with a final decision on resuming direct flights in 2024. 

Don't you feel that with the increase in Chinese tourists to India and vice versa, the cultural bonds between the both countries could receive a boost?

I always encourage Indian young friends to visit China and see the remarkable development achievements with their own eyes. Since China and India are so similar to each other, I believe they would be more confident in the future of India after witness what China has achieved.  I have mentioned that we have taken actions to encourage more Indian tourists to visit China and explore various facets of China. Unfortunately, Chinese tourists are still unable to get Indian visa. 

India has seen rapid development and significant changes over these years. Chinese people must have a look-see. Moreover, there are many world-renowned historical sites and scenic spots. I wish that the Indian government could resume visa service to Chinese citizens and encourage them to explore incredible India. 

What was your individual perception regards to India and its citizens before you joined the diplomatic profession. Could you please point out one or more issues or about Indian culture  - that came to you as a pleasant surprise?

As a matter of fact, my connections with India dated back to my childhood. The first foreign movie I watched is Awaara, the masterpiece of all time in Indian movie history. I can still remember the song Awaara Hoon. Before I joined the diplomatic profession, I worked in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, where Dr. Kotnis fought and died. My office is very close to a war martyr cemetery where a statue of Dr. Kotnis stands and receives people’s tributes. 

All Chinese people, including me, are very grateful for his great sacrifice to Chinese people. That’s why we initiated Dr. Kotnis Friendship School Program with Solapur Municipality. We are also cooperating with a movie production team to make a documentary about Dr. Kotnis. 

During the Spring Festival holiday, I visited the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves. I was deeply impressed by the vivid mural wall paintings and exquisite carvings. The Mogao caves in China, which contains some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in China, were greatly influenced by India from the very beginning. It’s a pity that no written record of the Ajanta Caves exists in India. But Xuan Zang, the great Chinese buddhist monk and scholar, in his the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, gave us the most detailed descrption about the marvelous place. 

After One and a half years of stay in India, what impressed me most is that so long the history of cultural exchange is between us and so deep is the influence of that exchange on both of us.

(The opinions expressed by  Kong Xianhua, the Chinese Consul General in this interview are purely his personal views)

Certified Financial Planner- CFP Professional Community Surges 8% in India

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) practitioners enjoy a high degree of financial confidence with 98% of clients reporting they trust their CFP professional to act in their best interests. This has resulted in India's CFP Professional Community Soaring to Record High of 2,731, Surging 8.5% Amidst Booming Demand for Professional Financial Planning Guidance as India witnessed 4th highest net growth rate in the world

With more than 50% of people who have never received financial planning advice intending to seek it within the next three years*, Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) is pleased to report the number of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals worldwide grew by 5.1% over the previous year. FPSB and its global network of organizations increased the number of global CFP professionals by 10,768 to a total of 223,770 as of 31 December 2023. India saw a surge in demand for professional financial advice, with the community registering a record 2731 CFPs over the year with a 8.5% growth. 

The growth in the number of CFP professionals complements findings from the FPSB Value of Financial Planning Global Consumer Research 2023 that shows those who work with CFP practitioners report a better quality of life, enjoy more financial confidence and resilience, and are more satisfied with their financial situation, with 98% of clients reporting they trust their CFP professional to act in their best interests.

“We’re pleased to see the number of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals continues to increase year-over-year to meet the rising demand for professional financial planning advice,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “As the global community of CFP professionals grows, more people around the world can access financial planners who have committed to high standards of competency, ethics and practice to build holistic financial plans as they face increased costs of living and complex financial decisions. For nearly three decades, the global CFP professional community has steadily grown, reaching its highest ever at over 223,700. This growth is a true testament to the value CFP certification holds in the global financial planning profession and the clients Certified Financial Planner professionals serve”.

Sharing the numbers, Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India said, "we are thrilled to announce that India's CFP professional community has reached an unprecedented milestone, boasting 2,731 dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality financial guidance. This remarkable 8.5% surge reflects not only the growing demand for financial planning advice in our country but also underscores the increasing importance individuals place on securing their financial future. As India proudly ranks among the top 5 in global net growth rates, this achievement speaks volumes about our nation's dedication to fostering financial literacy and stability. Together, we continue to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and navigate their journey towards prosperity."

CFP professionals around the world are helping clients build holistic financial plans to achieve their goals, as they continue to deal with global economic uncertainty and inflation. The global community of 223,700+ CFP professionals commit to rigorous standards of competency, ethics and practice and to putting clients’ interests first. 

Sustainable Futures: Technology's Evolution in Real Estate Development

The landscape of the Indian real estate sector continues to thrive with each passing year, marked by dynamic shifts in technology and sustainability trends. It is undeniable that the forthcoming trend in real estate is intricately interwoven with the seamless integration of technological innovations, coupled with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. This amalgamation not only reflects the industry's adaptability but also heralds a new era where cutting-edge technology converges with eco-conscious practices to redefine the very essence of real estate development. Gaurav Mavi, Co-founder of BOP Group, underscores key points of significance for the upcoming technology-driven real estate sector...

Efficiency Boost through Technology: Technological advancements, ranging from innovative construction methodologies to sophisticated building management systems, play a pivotal role in optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste throughout the real estate development lifecycle...

Intersection of Sustainability and Technology: The synergy between sustainability and technology, exemplified by technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and regulatory frameworks like RERA, is transforming the industry. Smart grids and energy-efficient systems contribute to sustainable operational practices, aligning economic viability with environmental responsibility.

Innovative Use of Eco-Friendly Materials: Recent real estate projects showcase the harmonious integration of technology with eco-friendly materials. Advanced sensors effectively monitor and regulate energy consumption, 3D printing enables sustainable structures using recycled materials, and sensor-based gating systems enhance overall experiences for residents and visitors.

Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Urban Development: The incorporation of eco-friendly materials and technology presents challenges such as initial investment costs and navigating regulatory frameworks. However, the long-term benefits include resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and heightened market competitiveness.

Consumer-Driven Change: Consumer demand for eco-friendly features is reshaping the real estate market. Buyers increasingly prioritize energy-efficient homes, sustainable materials, and smart home technologies, compelling developers to align their offerings with these evolving preferences.

Emerging Technologies for Sustainability: Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain hold immense promise for revolutionizing sustainability. AI optimizes energy consumption, while blockchain ensures transparent and traceable supply chains for eco-friendly materials.

Collaboration for Future Success: Real estate professionals can stay at the forefront of sustainable practices by collaborating with technology experts. Cross-disciplinary partnerships, participation in industry-specific tech conferences, and continuous upskilling of teams ensure a seamless integration of eco-friendly materials and sustainable technologies into projects, shaping a more sustainable and efficient future for the industry.

SIA-India's Advocacy Triumph: Telecom Bill 2023 Revolutionizes India's Satellite Landscape

In a historic and transformative decision to promote structural reforms in the telecom sector, the Indian Parliament approved the Telecom Bill 2023 on Thursday, December 21, 2023. This landmark move repeals the colonial era 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. and underscores a commitment to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services in an unprecedented manner, bringing a modern and future-ready legal framework.

The bill aims to ensure widespread access to telecommunication services through satellite spectrum assignment in a liberalized and technologically neutral manner. The approved bill adopts a non-auction route and proposes to assign the satellite spectrum through administrative method aligning with global best practices, and emphasizing global harmonization and standardization for satellite spectrum assignments. In this context, SIA-India gratefully recalls and quotes the words of Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Parliament, which are to be engraved in golden letters in annals of space history in India.  During his intervention, he emphasized that ‘the non-auction route for the allocation of satellite spectrum is essential for national security.”. This groundbreaking step seeks to bridge the digital divide, enhance rural and remote connectivity, and support critical sectors, thereby transforming India's satellite landscape facilitating the entry of new technologies and competitors into the market, promoting innovation.

SIA-India, backed by its satellite operation and services members such as Viasat/Inmarsat, Asiasat, Hughes Communication, SES, Intelsat, Telesat, Lamhas, and Omnispace, has steadfastly advocated for progressive satcom policies, particularly emphasizing spectrum assignment through administrative licensing. The association assumes a crucial role in shaping the future of satellite communications in the country, with its unwavering advocacy efforts extending over 33 months and culminating in this pivotal legislative milestone. At this momentous juncture, SIA-India is pleased to record that the Association's continuous and dedicated efforts and engagement with higher echelons and policymakers at all concerned levels in the government during this period has proven fruitful, in fostering the growth of a robust satellite industry in India.

"The Telecom Bill represents a significant stride in aligning India's satellite industry with global standards. We extend our appreciation to the Ministry for their efforts in understanding and incorporating the industry's perspectives. SIA-India also expresses gratitude to the DoT, ISRO, INSPACe and TRAI for their valuable support. Our association remains steadfast in working collaboratively with the government to foster the development of a vibrant and competitive satellite sector," commented Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India.

"The Telecom Bill recognizes the pivotal role of satellite digital connectivity in India's strategic initiatives, enhancing rural connectivity, national defence, disaster management, and supporting sectors like agriculture, health, and education. With over 1300 Gati Shakti projects and various national missions, the demand for broadband connectivity is crucial. This aligns with the blurring lines between remote and near in sectors like shipping, ports, waterways, tolls, roads, and highways. The ongoing dynamics of migration, amplified by Covid-19, highlight the need for resilient and efficient connectivity. National missions like SMART CITIES, UDAAN, National Health Mission, New Education Policy, and PM WANI require multiple access technologies, where space-based satellite services become crucial. The Telecom Bill's spectrum assignment for satellite services reflects the government's foresightedness commented Anil Prakash, Director-General of SIA-India.

SIA-India is keenly looking forward to the New Telecom Act and its provisions being implemented and enforced accordingly. SIA-India is committed to ensuring that the regulatory framework supports the growth of the satellite communication industry. The association commits itself for continued collaboration with the government and industry partners, promoting policies that drive innovation and growth in satellite communications.

Unleashing the Power of AI: Transforming IT Thought Leadership

In the dynamic dance of the IT sector, staying ahead of the curve is the rhythm of success. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the hottest DJ, not only remixing technical capabilities but also redefining the beat of thought leadership. This article explores this electrifying fusion, guiding you through how organizations can leverage this synergy to ignite innovation, spark collaboration, and dominate the digital dance floor.

From Cassette Tapes to Cloud Storage: The Evolution of IT Thought Leadership

Thought leadership used to be about rocking the mic with subject matter expertise and visionary ideas. IT gurus navigated organizations through tech mountains, charted strategic journeys, and decoded industry trends. But as we groove into the digital age, AI has become the hype man, amplifying the way ideas are generated, shared, and executed.

AI's Impact on Thought Leadership: Dropping Beats of Brilliance

Data-Driven Insights: AI crunches data like nobody's business, extracting golden nuggets of wisdom. IT thought leaders can use this to analyze market grooves, customer vibes, and industry trends, making their decisions sharper than a well-tuned EQ.

Automated Research: Forget sifting through endless reports – AI robots do the dirty work, keeping thought leaders at the forefront of the latest tech breakthroughs. This frees up time for brainstorming killer strategies, and not getting lost in research rabbit holes.

Creativity on Steroids: AI isn't just a data cruncher, it's a creative collaborator. Thought leaders can use it to brainstorm next-level ideas, generate groundbreaking solutions, and even automate content creation, leaving more time for strategic headbanging.

Personalized Engagement: No more one-size-fits-all speeches. AI helps tailor communication to individual preferences, making thought leadership resonate like a perfectly personalized playlist. Targeted content, laser-focused outreach – AI turns thought leaders into relationship rockstars.

Predictive Prowess: Forget crystal balls, AI uses predictive analytics to see the future of the industry, customer needs, and potential roadblocks. This foresight lets thought leaders position their organizations at the cutting edge of innovation, always one step ahead of the competition.

Implementing AI-Driven Thought Leadership: From Idea to Execution

Building the AI Arsenal: Organizations need a robust AI infrastructure to support their thought leadership mosh pit. This means integrating AI tools for data analysis, research automation, and predictive modelling. Think of it as your high-tech band equipment.

Level Up Your Skills: Thought leaders and IT teams need to learn the language of AI. Training programs and workshops are like music lessons, teaching them how to leverage AI effectively and turn data into chart-topping insights.

Collaboration Nation: AI thrives on teamwork. Integration of AI-powered collaboration platforms creates a space for sharing ideas, insights, and expertise like a virtual jam session. The more instruments, the better the music!

Ethics in the Spotlight: As AI takes centre stage, ethical considerations become the opening act. Organizations need to establish guidelines for responsible AI use, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability. Think of it as a soundcheck, making sure everything is in tune.

AI-driven thought leadership in IT isn't just a technological upgrade, it's a cultural revolution. It's about embracing the transformative power of AI to conceive sharper ideas, make smarter decisions, and lead with true vision. So crank up the volume, let AI be your hype man, and get ready to dominate the IT sector with the thought leadership that rocks the house.

By: Amit Goswami

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-goswami-8a229b28/

X: https://twitter.com/AG1809

Geo-Political disruptions, climate change, pandemics predicted to take its toll and impact Businesses in 2024

Extreme weather conditions, Ukraine and Israel-Hamas crisis, decrease in workforce travel due to global geo-political disruptions are among the major factors that could drastically impact employee wellbeing leading to Burnout that will have a significant impact on Businesses. 

The global perma-crisis is set to continue to take its toll in 2024, as extreme weather events continue to impact organisations and global instability deepens. This situation is giving rise to concerning levels of employee burnout. According to the latest International SOS Risk Outlook Report 2024, 80% of surveyed global senior risk professionals predict burnout will have a significant impact on businesses in the next year[1]. But only 41% of them feel that their organisations are equipped to deal with it.

It also provides a detailed view of some of the major risks which organisations must address in 2024 including the climate crisis, the power of AI, the evolution of employees’ expectations and worldwide unrest.

Udit Mehta, Executive Vice President and Director of Operations for International SOS comments "2024 will likely be a year that redefines a crises conundrum, with multiple risks driven by instability causing a considerable impact and consistent insecurity that organizations need to address. This coupled with the crisis management functions being continually challenged for a fourth year running since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic implies organizations would need to re-assess not just the resourcing of this critical function but also its placement in management structures.”

Mehta adds, “Concurrent to the survey forecasting an increase in risks faced by organizations in 2024, organizations would need to ensure proactive principles of mitigation are implemented in conjunction with instituting pre-emptive intelligence and analysis capacities. Organizations would also need to ensure partnerships with experts to understand their mobility and location linked exposure while juxtaposing the same with geo-political, geographical and industry-specific risk accrual. A forward leaning approach to address the challenges brought by this era of perma-crisis including expansion and evolution of the crisis and risk functions is critical for organizations to ensure endurance and resilience in the course of fulfilling growth objectives amidst the prevailing volatility.”

The International SOS Risk Outlook Report 2024: The Top 5 Predictions

Running on Empty – The Perma-Crisis Takes its Toll

In recent years, as the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic began to subside, the emergence of the Ukraine/Russia conflict unleashed new waves of supply chain and service disruptions across various industries. With these ongoing stressors accumulating without respite, the risk of employee burnout is becoming increasingly tangible. The report’s findings noted that organisations have experienced a noticeable surge in stress-related absences. Surveyed respondents emphasise that the perceived risk level for the next 12 months is the highest ever recorded – 65% believe that global risks will continue to grow in 2024 – compounding their crisis management fatigue beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Climate Crisis – Climate Change Comes Home

Over the last 2,000 years, global temperatures have increased faster in the last half century than any other similar period, highlighting how relevant climate risk is now for businesses across the world[1]. One in four organisations reported that they have already seen their operations affected by events attributed to climate change, and this year the second biggest category out of the thousands of alerts issued by International SOS in 2023 was extreme weather events.

This comes as only half of respondents say they have factored climate change into their health and security plans, emphasising how vulnerable many organisations could be. This issue is certainly not going away, as approximately three-quarters of businesses report extreme weather as a challenge to their employees and operations in the coming year.

The continued impact of climate change on human health and wellbeing is now being acutely felt across the world. Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director – Indian subcontinent comments, “The past few years have seen a rapid and unpredictable rise in unfavourable climate events like heat waves, floods, cyclones and earthquakes, which affect the physical and psychosocial health of the workforce”. The recent floods in Chennai due to the severe cyclone Michaung are an example of the devastation and disruption extreme weather events will continue to cause in the foreseeable future.

The impact of air pollution (as is being witnessed across India and other subcontinent countries), post-flood vector-borne diseases, potable water scarcity and challenges in accessing healthcare, compounds the risk to organizational resilience. 

It is now imperative that all current and future organisational climate action planning includes employee health and wellbeing as a key driver of sustainable business operations.

Global Instability Deepens

The second-highest security concern identified by respondents in this year's survey revolves around geopolitical tensions. As a striking three out of four respondents expressed the belief that their organisations will face significant impacts in the coming year. Notably, the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza, as well as the persistent conflict in Ukraine, contribute to this unstable global environment. Civil and social unrest, coupled with political instability, rank as the next largest worries for organisations. The unpredictable nature of these events highlights the need for businesses to adopt robust security measures, proactively navigating the challenges arising from the dynamic global geopolitical landscape.

AI – Risks and Opportunities

AI has inspiring potential to create a new industrial revolution. However, for now, it further complicates the vital task of sorting reliable information from misinformation and deliberate disinformation for businesses. More than two out of five respondents of the Risk Outlook research said they were worried about the effect of medical misinformation and disinformation on their workforces. This rises to three in five when asked about inaccurate political information – a potentially difficult situation as the United States heads into a highly consequential election year.

The New Employment Contract

Three-quarters of surveyed organisations report increased employee expectations for Duty of Care. A similar number are now also shouldering duties previously seen as government responsibilities, including two-thirds who acknowledge extending responsibilities to support workers' families in times of need. This underlines how the era of offering only basic occupational health services for work-related conditions is over. While still essential, occupational health provisions must be enhanced with diverse support and interventions to safeguard and nurture employees globally.