As the CEO of a global talent organization, I understand firsthand how valuable the skills I learned as an engineer are to me today. Despite the rapid advancements in AI and technology, there are certain human skills that are irreplaceable, such as ideation, collaboration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) recently released 2023 Future of Jobs Report, abilities like creativity and analytical thinking, resiliency, flexibility, and agility will become even more valued by 2027.
However, it is important to note that these skills are not enough on their own. Rather than fearing the role of technology in destroying jobs, I am an optimist who believes that jobs and roles will continue to evolve with technology. The key is harnessing human skills and qualities that are hard to replicate with AI, such as cognitive abilities and specialized expertise.
Employers can complement these skills with tools that automate time-consuming tasks, allowing workers to focus on customer engagement, analysis, and collaboration. For instance, in the HR services industry, AI is facilitating talent acquisition in innovative ways. In addition to enhancing candidate matching, technology enables sourcing and screening, interview scheduling, and relationship building. Such tools free up recruiters to establish closer and more personal connections with talent. The right tools can help people be even more effective, efficient, and productive, driving value creation and meaningful work, which also leads to a happier and more satisfied workforce.
Specialization is becoming increasingly important as technology continues to transform the business landscape. The WEF’s survey showed that 44% of employers’ core skill sets will change during the next five years, with technology adoption having the greatest impact on their transformation. This means we need more creative problem solvers who are adept in emerging and specialized fields, such as healthcare, climate change, and environmental management.
The strategy of hiring to train is gaining traction, as companies seek to maximize agility and flexibility while ensuring access to a robust candidate pipeline. For example, some companies hire programmers who possess a core set of capabilities and then give them additional skills to address future talent needs. As a result of technology, jobs will become increasingly specialized, offering tremendous benefits to workers with a mastery of a particular field. However, adapting to the changing nature of work is a valuable skill in itself, and billions of people must heed the mandate to sharpen their skills.
To prepare for the future of work, a coordinated and unified effort from all stakeholders is a must. Governments, the private sector, and labor organizations must collaborate to reskill and upskill millions of workers. Fortunately, from discussions heard at last week’s World Economic Forum Growth Summit, many are already working together towards this goal. Embracing the value of human skills and specialization is key to meeting the world’s challenges and ensuring a happy and satisfied workforce.
Ultimately, the future of work is about finding the right balance between human skills and technology. Rather than viewing them as competing forces, we should recognize that they can complement each other. By leveraging technology to enhance human abilities, we can create a workforce that is more specialized, more efficient, and more productive. This will benefit not only businesses but also society as a whole, as we work together to tackle the challenges of the future.