THE DIGITALIZATION OF THE WORKFORCE: SKILLS TRANSFORMATION, EMERGING INEQUALITIES AND PROFESSIONAL FLEXIBILITY IN THE REMOTE WORK ERA

Ciurila (tapi) Constantina Alina and Ciobanu Riana Maria
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Ciurila (tapi) Constantina Alina: UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA, FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, CRAIOVA, ROMANIA
Ciobanu Riana Maria: UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA, FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, CRAIOVA, ROMANIA

Annals - Economy Series, 2025, vol. 4, 305-322

Abstract: The rapid digitalization of the workforce is fundamentally transforming labor markets, redefining how work is structured, delivered, and experienced. This article examines the multidimensional impact of digital transformation, focusing on skill development, remote work, and the emergence of new socio-economic inequalities. The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms has led to the creation of new job roles while displacing traditional occupations, requiring workers to adapt through reskilling and lifelong learning. Online education has emerged as a critical tool in addressing skill gaps, enabling flexible and scalable access to training. At the same time, remote work—amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic—has reshaped organizational dynamics, offering increased flexibility, autonomy, and productivity, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors. However, these benefits are not evenly distributed. The paper highlights persistent digital divides based on age, gender, geography, and income, which limit access to the tools and training needed to thrive in a digital economy. Without targeted interventions, such disparities risk deepening existing labor market inequalities. The article argues that while digitalization offers unprecedented opportunities for professional growth and organizational innovation, its inclusive potential can only be realized through coordinated efforts among policymakers, employers, and educators. Strategic investment in digital infrastructure, equitable education, and adaptive labor policies is essential to ensure a fair and sustainable digital transition.

Keywords: Workforce digitalization; Remote work; Digital skills; Reskilling and upskilling; Professional flexibility; Digital inequality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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