The Jobs of the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Well-being Reshape the Market (EconomyMagazine)
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The world of work is undergoing significant changes, with complex technological challenges and shifting social priorities. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities for highly skilled professionals.
Agap2, a multinational operational consulting firm specializing in engineering and IT, has released the HR Barometer 2026, identifying the roles that will lead the labor market in the coming months and the trends expected to have the greatest impact on the sector.
“The main drivers shaping the market in the near future,” explains Enrica Ceccato, HR Director at agap2, “are four: Artificial Intelligence, well-being, green transition, and talent shortage. The future of work is built on these pillars, offering significant opportunities despite economic challenges. In the coming months, companies will be looking primarily for engineers specialized in Machine Learning, AI, Industrial Automation, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Data Science.”
Artificial Intelligence and Work: New Skills Without Replacing Humans
AI is transforming the workplace, but it is crucial to dispel a common myth: robots and technology will not replace workers—they will support them in routine tasks. The revolution often discussed is not the end of work, but the start of new collaborative opportunities between humans and machines. Reskilling and upskilling will be essential for candidates to update their skill sets and seize emerging opportunities.
Well-being and Work-Life Balance: Strategic Tools for Attracting Talent
Employees are no longer willing to compromise on their well-being or work-life balance.
“Today,” Ceccato adds, “a positive work environment that prioritizes mental and physical health is essential to attract and retain top talent, especially in highly specialized fields like engineering and IT, where job openings often exceed the number of available candidates. Workers are looking for companies that offer stimulating environments, rewarding career paths, and genuine attention to work-life balance. Companies, in turn, must shift from a control-based approach to a trust-based one, as well-being is increasingly seen as a form of ‘emotional compensation.”
Sustainability Across the Board: A Core Value and Daily Commitment
Sustainability is not just about the environment—it is a broader concept encompassing all aspects of corporate life. Companies need to create fair, inclusive workplaces that promote both employee well-being and environmental responsibility.
Strong Job Opportunities, but Talent is Scarce
According to agap2, 2026 will be a golden year for professionals with technical backgrounds. Companies will particularly seek:
- AI and Machine Learning Engineers: design systems that learn from data, crucial for intelligent automation and digital innovation.
- Data Scientists: analyze large datasets to provide strategic insights, essential for companies aiming to fully leverage their data.
- Cybersecurity Experts: protect IT systems from threats and attacks, ensuring data security and integrity.
- Industrial Automation Engineers: design and optimize automated systems to improve production efficiency, combining mechanical, electronic, and IT skills.
- Renewable Energy Engineers: develop sustainable energy solutions using solar, wind, and hydro sources, contributing to environmental sustainability and the energy transition.
“The talent shortage in engineering and IT is not only a challenge for individual companies but also a drag on the country’s competitiveness. Some projections estimate that Italy needs around 20,000 engineers per year to fill the structural gap. This makes career opportunities for these professionals both numerous and attractive. Young people investing in hybrid skills bridging IT and engineering are positioning themselves for stable careers, excellent salaries, and above-average growth prospects.”
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