Mexico's Job Growth, Global DEI Trends: This Week In Talent

Jalisco emerges as a top job creator in Mexico, with significant gains in formal employment. The Mexican government updates its list of occupational diseases to enhance worker protection, while Mexico City launches free courses to improve workplace safety and rights. ExxonMobil and COMEXUS successfully complete a Big Data and AI program for students, reflecting Mexico's growing role in global trade. Internationally, Microsoft reassures its commitment to diversity despite DEI role cuts, and a new report highlights AI's transformative impact on ICT jobs amidst rising job insecurity.

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Mexico

Jalisco Leads in Job Creation with 231,442 New Positions

Jalisco is becoming a leading job creator in Mexico, with 231,442 new formal jobs from December 2018 to July 2024, making it the second-highest in the nation after Mexico City. The state, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO) and private sector collaboration, emphasizes quality job creation with competitive salaries. Jalisco contributed 12.4% of the country’s new jobs during this period and recorded the lowest Critical Occupation Conditions Rate (TCCO) at 20.6% in early 2024. A new policy, the Jalisco Employability System, aims to further enhance job matching and support economic growth.

Mexico Labels Depression, Stress as Occupational Diseases

The Mexican government has updated its list of occupational diseases for the first time in 50 years to better protect workers. The new list includes 88 additional diseases, such as severe stress, depression, miscarriage, and endometriosis, and broadens the scope of cancers and poisoning-related conditions. This update aims to address underreported occupational health issues in Latin America, where only 5% of work-related illnesses are officially recognized. Occupational health focuses on preventing workplace diseases and maintaining the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers, as emphasized by health experts.

Mexico City Offers Free Courses on Workplace Health, Rights

Mexico City's Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion will offer five free training courses from Aug. 8-28, 2024, to enhance worker skills and knowledge, providing valid certifications. These courses focus on promoting safer and more equitable work environments, covering topics such as preventing workplace violence, safe telework practices, child labor eradication, and workers' rights. The initiative reflects a commitment to human labor rights and aims to improve occupational safety and health. In 2024, the ministry conducted 38 courses, reaching over 1,300 participants, with a focus on substantive equality and child labor eradication.

ExxonMobil, COMEXUS Complete Big Data, AI Program for Students

ExxonMobil México, in collaboration with Mobil lubricant distributors and COMEXUS, completed the 2024 Skills Development Program, awarding scholarships to 21 Mexican students for a three-week summer course at the University of Texas at Dallas, focusing on Big Data and AI. The program, highlighted at ExxonMobil's Houston campus, aims to enhance skills in investment relocation and supply chain integration. 

International 

Microsoft Maintains DEI Commitment Despite Recent Cuts

Microsoft's recent elimination of two DEI roles has raised concerns about its commitment to diversity. The company clarified that these positions were redundant within its events team and assured that core DEI initiatives remain strong. Despite broader trends of DEI role reductions at other major firms, Microsoft continues to prioritize diversity through inclusive hiring and accountability. Other companies, including Google and Meta, have also adjusted their DEI strategies, but this does not indicate a broader abandonment of DEI principles. Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to DEI, emphasizing its role in innovation and core values.

Industry Developments 

The Transformational Impact of AI on ICT Jobs

The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs report by CISCO reveals that AI will transform 92% of ICT jobs, particularly at entry and mid-levels, requiring upskilling in AI literacy and data analytics. Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are investing heavily in workforce training to meet these demands. The report underscores the need for adaptability and emphasizes AI ethics and responsibility. As AI tools gain prominence, demand for skills like prompt engineering is surging. 

Concerns Increase Over Job Security Amid Widespread Layoffs

A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows that nearly one-third of employed job seekers fear unexpected layoffs, reflecting increased job insecurity. This concern has grown since 2023, amid widespread layoffs by major companies like Google, Amazon, and Pfizer, driven by economic pressures, technological changes, and geopolitical conflicts.