As artificial intelligence and automation continue to transform workplaces worldwide, certain “human” cognitive skills will remain in-demand, according to a July 13 report from TalentLMS.
In a survey of HR managers, 64% said the rise of AI is changing the workplace and which worker skills are in high-demand. About 65% said the most crucial skills for success in the AI era will be digital, interpersonal and cognitive skills. Researchers said that the top in-demand cognitive skills are problem solving, creativity, originality, imagination and the ability to learn.
At the same time, the increasing prevalence of AI poses another major skills gap, which 43% of HR managers said will occur at their company.
“Embracing AI in our learning and development initiatives is crucial for building organizational resilience,” Thanos Papangelis, co-founder of TalentLMS, said in a statement.
To bridge the learning and development gap, 58% of HR managers said their company will use upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The same amount will also invest in AI training tools, and 41% will hire new employees to overcome the gap.
HR managers noted the AI’s current effects on employee well-being: More than half of survey-takers agreed that the AI-driven necessity of developing new skills is contributing to employee stress. In addition, 58% expressed concerns that AI is leading to job insecurity among employees and less confidence among older generations at work.
In response, 45% of HR managers believe companies need to establish clear AI policies, including ethics guidelines. About 41% also believe that organizations should prepare for a blended workforce, which will include both employees and AI.
The AI skills gap continues to be a topic of conversation: Nearly two-thirds of workers don’t have the skills to effectively and safely use AI in the workplace, Salesforce researchers suggested in a July 2023 report. These workers expect their employers to help with that skills gap — and provide training opportunities to learn how to use new tools in the best way.
Likewise, the lack of AI knowledge is “stifling U.S. productivity and innovation,” SAS researchers said. On-the-job training and upskilling will become the major pathways to move employees in the right direction.
