Work Productivity Based on Knowledge and Future Competencies
Purpose: The main objective of this article is to identify the relationship between knowledge, future competencies, and labor productivity, and to determine which competencies are most important for increasing employee efficiency in the context of ongoing labor market transformation. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on secondary data analysis using datasets and reports prepared by scientific institutions, international organizations, and research centers. The research methods included: (1) content analysis of reports from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO); (2) comparative analysis of statistical and qualitative data from the OECD, WEF, and ILO; (3) statistical analysis, including Pearson’s correlation to examine relationships between human capital investment and productivity, linear regression assessing the impact of education and digital skills on labor productivity, and Student’s t-test to compare average indicators between countries; and (4) data triangulation integrating qualitative and quantitative findings from multiple sources. Findings: The results indicate that future-oriented competencies - particularly digital, cognitive, and social skills - constitute an important foundation for improving labor productivity. However, the complexity of these relationships requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical perspectives with practical applications and continuous monitoring of technological and social changes. Further research should focus on validating and measuring competencies in relation to productivity and professional development, especially within digital transformation environments.. Research limitations/implications: The analysis is theoretical and review-based. Future studies should incorporate empirical methods, particularly quantitative research in knowledge-intensive organizations, to better measure the impact of specific competencies on productivity. Practical and social implications: The findings highlight the importance of investing in digital and social competence development, fostering innovation-oriented organizational cultures, and promoting flexible work models that support productivity and employee well-being. Strengthening future competencies may also enhance digital inclusion, reduce labor market inequalities, and better prepare societies for automation and artificial intelligence. Originality/value: The article contributes to the debate on labor productivity by integrating economic, managerial, and social perspectives and by emphasizing the combined role of technological, cognitive, and social competencies in the digital economy.