The Future of Work in Life Sciences: 6 Trends to Watch in 2023

The Life Sciences sector is transforming at a prodigious rate.

The swift pace of technological development, the changing attitudes and expectations of the workforce and society at large, and the impetus provided by the COVID pandemic have combined to produce six key Life Sciences industry trends that will be at the forefront of the sector’s evolution in 2023.

1. Smart technologies

Rapid advances in smart technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotics are exploiting Big Data and blockchain to transform research, drug discovery, pharmaceutical manufacturing and the delivery of digital medicine.

AI and ML can sift through vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions that would be impossible for humans to do manually. For example, Big Data collected from electronic health records, product and disease registries and wearable devices can be analysed to support therapy decisions and measure the effectiveness and safety of drugs already in use, thus complementing formal clinical trials.

AI-based chatbots, using text and Natural Language Processing (NLP) can assist with diagnosis and also deliver information to patients – such as answering questions about the correct procedure for taking medicines, or their potential side effects.

Scientific research can now be conducted faster, and more accurately and efficiently than ever before. Robots are being used in labs to handle routine tasks such as pipetting, centrifuging, and labelling, freeing up scientists and technicians to focus on more complex and creative work that requires human expertise.

All of this is reducing the need for some of the more mundane posts in the Life Sciences workforce, while creating the need for new job roles and skill sets.

2. Continued skills shortage

The use of smart technologies – such as data analytics, programming, and robotics engineering – requires a new set of skills and expertise. As a result, there is a growing need for professionals with these skills, and although universities and training programs are adapting to meet it, the demand for talent outstrips the supply in a workforce already assailed by pandemic burnout.

A report published in October 2020 identified skills shortages and gaps across the medical technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and digital health sectors. Given that adapted tertiary programs have not yet had the time to create a significant impact, and skilled migration visa processing has stalled, the problems have continued unabated.

As a result, expect to see an increasing focus on closing the gap through both cross skilling and upskilling of existing and new employees. Many global biotech companies are already doing this. Upskilling your current workforce is an ideal way to improve job satisfaction and, as a result, employee retention.

3. Greater emphasis on soft skills

While technical skills are still essential in the Life Sciences industry, there is also a growing emphasis on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability and emotional intelligence. These skills are becoming increasingly important as the industry becomes more collaborative and interdisciplinary, with workers needing to work across different teams and departments.

Life Sciences recruitment processes will need to adapt in order to recognise the value of candidates with soft skills.

4. Hybrid working

The COVID pandemic introduced many Australians employed in Life Sciences to the concept of working remotely, and at the same time taught employers that productivity need not suffer as a result. Although the WHO pandemic declaration is still active, COVID’s worst effects appear to be contained and a large portion of the workforce now enjoys the benefits of hybrid working, spending some days each week working from home. Expectations around flexibility – in both location and scheduling – look likely to be a normal part of the employment landscape for the foreseeable future.

Of course, many roles – such as lab technicians and face-to-face nursing – will continue to be conducted on-site – but a large number can be done just as well remotely. Organisations who offer hybrid working can contribute to their employees’ job satisfaction and improve their work-life balance, once again lifting retention as well as attracting new talent.

5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are another focus of employee expectations in 2023.

Diversity is becoming a priority for more companies involved in Life Sciences recruitment, with a growing recognition that having a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do. Research has shown that companies with diverse teams are more innovative and perform better financially.

Similarly, equity ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. It’s about removing barriers to entry and providing support to those who need it, increasing pay transparency, providing mentorship and training programs to individuals from underrepresented communities, and ensuring that salaries and benefits are equitable across all employees.

Inclusion means creating an environment where all employees feel valued and can contribute to the organisation’s success, creating a culture where individuals feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives and have access to the same opportunities for growth and development.

Companies that prioritise DEI are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

6. ESG considerations

In recent years, ESG has become a critical factor in the Life Sciences recruitment process, as companies seek to attract and retain employees with a broader range of skills and expertise, as well as a deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

ESG is a set of criteria that investors and stakeholders use to evaluate a company’s performance on environmental, social, and governance issues. It has led to a growing emphasis on developing products and technologies that address pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change and public health, as well as modifying the way that Life Sciences companies collaborate and engage with external stakeholders. They are increasingly partnering with non-profit organisations, academic institutions and government agencies to advance their ESG goals. This has expanded the need for professionals with strong collaboration and communication skills, as well as experience working across multiple sectors and disciplines.

Life Sciences will continue to evolve

Life Sciences industry trends will continue to develop and constantly change beyond 2023. Technological advances, DEI and ESG have created a need for new skills, including soft skills, and the workforce is struggling to meet the demand, but the future is certain to bring a new set of challenges not yet envisaged.

Here at Adecco we pride ourselves on staying ahead of evolving Life Sciences industry trends, so that we can use our expertise for the benefit of our clients. Contact us today and explore the many ways in which we can help.