In 2023, a study reveals the ongoing preference for human skills, despite the rapid integration of AI in workplaces.
- The top ten skills list includes mainly human skills, highlighting their enduring importance.
- AI’s influence on job roles necessitates stronger emphasis on social and emotional competencies.
- Human skills provide adaptability that technology cannot match, crucial during AI evolution.
- Janice Burns stresses the synergy of human skills and technology for future workplace success.
In an era marked by the swift adoption of artificial intelligence within the workplace, human skills continue to be highly valued, as evidenced by a recent study. Degreed, a learning platform, released data on the top ten skills learners found essential in 2023, showing a significant preference for human skills over technical ones. Out of ten skills, only one is technology-related, underscoring the critical role of skills such as leadership, project management, and communication.
AI is reshaping job roles, requiring many workers to adapt by enhancing social and emotional skills alongside traditional cognitive abilities. A recent paper indicated that up to 80% of the US workforce might have at least 10% of their tasks affected by large language models like ChatGPT. As these models proliferate, the importance of human-centred skills only grows, ensuring that workers remain pivotal in technology-integrated environments.
Janice Burns, Chief Transformation Officer at Degreed, emphasised the synergy between human and technological capabilities, stating that personnel who succeed are those who effectively partner with both. Human skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are not only more adaptable but also long-lasting, proving essential as technological trends evolve rapidly. Workers who harness these skills will find themselves better positioned in the changing job landscape.
Furthermore, the demand for these competencies is projected to increase significantly by 2030, according to a McKinsey study. It highlights the need for social and emotional intelligence, which machines are far from mastering. Burns further elaborated that learning and development teams should maintain agility to provide necessary training, enabling workers to thrive as AI reshapes their roles.
Conclusively, while AI can transform processes, it is the adaptability and long-lasting nature of human skills that equip the workforce to navigate future challenges successfully.
Despite the AI boom, human skills remain indispensable for future work environments.
