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AI in the workforce – unlocking the potential

By Simon Crichton, Brand Leader and Operations Director for Experis UK. This article was originally published as a guest blog on techUK.As artificial intelligence becomes ever more high profile and enmeshed in business activity, it is creating new efficiencies but also driving an urgent need for more skilled workers to handle these advanced technologies. We must remember that businesses have incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations since at least the early 1980s. Many of these early AI utilisations were basic, prone to error and provided minimal economic impact. However, the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 was a game-changer; the technology has underpinned the rapid progression and implementation of generative AI across almost every business sector, transforming the ways that businesses function and creating new efficiencies whilst also challenging existing workforce dynamics. Generative AI has quickly evolved from being a novel technological advancement to a cornerstone of business activity. Industries ranging from healthcare and finance to logistics and manufacturing are now harvesting the potential of AI technologies. As expected, the widespread adoption of AI is also reshaping the roles of many human workers, with some tasks becoming automated and others requiring enhanced collaboration between humans and AI systems. In consequence, the demand for AI expertise is soaring, highlighting the urgency for a skilled workforce capable of navigating and leveraging these advanced technologies. AI – moving too fast for recruitment to keep up Unfortunately, even as the integration of AI into business activities grows at an almost exponential rate, companies are strugglingto attract and retain workers with the necessary expertise in AI and related technologies. Put simply, the demand for AI talent outstrips supply and the shortage is being exacerbated by the rapid pace of AI advancements and their application in different situation. In a constant game of catch-up, the continuous development of AI technologies requires continuous learning and adaptation from employees with the right skillset. Blending the human with the artificial – the future of the workforce Recruiting AI talent is not just about finding individuals with technical skills; it also involves identifying those who can apply these skills creatively and strategically within the business context and adapt to the advancements in the technology. Retention is a further hurdle, as professionals who have become skilled in AI are constantly bombarded with lucrative offers from competing firms. If they are to succeed in the AI era, organisations must create and maintain compelling value propositions to attract and retain technically skilled talent. This means providing opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that the work and working environment remains stimulating and offering competitive compensation packages. Looking further forwards, the optimal workforce will incorporate a delicate blend of technical and human-focused skills. On the technical side, proficiency in programming languages, data analysis, machine-learning algorithms and AI model development will be essential. Knowledge of cloud computing, cybersecurity and ethical AI practices will also be important as these technologies become more integrated into business processes. On the human side, skills such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and problem-solving will be equally important. These skills will enable individuals to work effectively alongside AI systems, making nuanced decisions and adding a human touch when automation falls short. The ability to continuously learn and adapt will be the most critical skill, as the rapid evolution of AI technologies will require workers to update their knowledge and competencies regularly. Building tomorrow’s AI talent, today To bridge the AI skills gap, organisations must urgently invest in reskilling and upskilling their workforce. Effective strategies could include: Structured training programmes: implementing training programmes that cover both fundamental and advanced AI concepts. Mentorship and peer learning: establishing mentorship programmes where experienced AI professionals guide less experienced colleagues. On-the-job training: providing opportunities for employees to work on real AI projects, gaining hands-on experience and practical insights. Partnerships with educational institutions: collaborating with universities and technical schools to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled graduates. Continuous learning platforms: encouraging the use of online learning platforms that offer a wide range of AI courses, enabling employees to learn at their own pace. Businesses must also cultivate an environment where experimentation, creativity and continuous improvement are encouraged: Encourage open communication: promote a workplace where ideas can be freely exchanged and employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and suggestions. Provide resources for experimentation: allocate time and resources for employees to explore new ideas, conduct experiments and develop innovative solutions. Recognise and reward innovation: implement recognition programmes that celebrate innovative contributions and reward employees for their creative efforts. Leadership support: ensure that leadership champions innovation by setting a vision, providing support and leading by example. Collaborative workspaces: design workspaces that facilitate collaboration and creativity, such as open offices, innovation labs and virtual collaboration tools. Strategic partnerships are essential to solve the talent problem Developing a robust AI talent pipeline will also require strategic partnerships between educational institutions, tech companies and governments. Educational institutions can play a crucial role by offering relevant courses and research opportunities in AI. Tech companies can provide practical insights, internships and resources to support these educational initiatives. Governments can support these initiatives by offering funding, creating supportive policies and establishing public-private partnerships. The human element Lastly, we must keep sight of the fact that in the AI-driven workplace, human skills remain indispensable. Whilst AI can efficiently handle repetitive and data-intensive tasks, it currently lacks the ability to fully replicate human creativity, empathy and complex problem-solving abilities. This means it is crucial that businesses view AI as a tool to augment, rather than replace, human capabilities. Ultimately, the integration of AI into the workforce presents both opportunities and challenges. If they take the right steps, maintain the guardrails and invest in the skills of their employees, organisations can successfully navigate the AI era to create a future where humans and AI can work harmoniously together. Learn more about Building a People-First Strategy for AI Powered Productivity. Download the whitepaper or watch the webinar now.

Navigating the AI revolution: Insights and strategies for a people-first approach

Throughout history, humanity has navigated seismic shifts brought about by revolutionary advancements. From the agricultural revolution, which transitioned us from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers, to the industrial revolution that mechanised production and reshaped societies, each wave of innovation has tested our adaptability and resilience.Today, we find ourselves on the brink of another transformative era – the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. No longer a distant concept, AI is here, actively redefining the way we work, communicate and innovate. Much like the steam engine powered the industrial revolution, AI is now the catalyst for a new wave of exhilarating yet challenging change.Our new report, Building a People-First Strategy for AI-Powered Workforce Productivity, takes a deep dive into the AI revolution, examining its profound impact on jobs, businesses and society. Powered by insights from the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, we’ve gathered critical data on the strategies and mindsets necessary to thrive in the AI era.Riding the wave of changeIn the fast-paced, ever-changing technological landscape of today, what once seemed like a distant whitecap now feels like a tidal wave growing larger every second. This wave is set to crash onto the shores of your industry, transforming everything in its path.Our research reveals that nearly half (48%) of companies have already adopted AI technologies, a significant increase from 35% just a year ago. This rapid uptake spans industries and regions, from healthcare in North America to manufacturing in Asia.Yet, the full scale of this revolution is still unfolding. By 2027, a staggering 81% of employers worldwide are expected to have AI tools deeply integrated into their operations. This projection highlights the urgent need for businesses and individuals to prepare for a future where AI is not merely a tool but a core component of the work ecosystem.Debunking myths: AI’s real impact on jobsAI and jobs – a topic rife with fear and uncertainty. Will robots replace humans? Will millions be jobless? It’s time to debunk these myths.Our research paints a different picture. Over half of employers (55%) expect AI and machine-learning to create more jobs in the coming years. Instead of replacing us, AI might offer opportunities in roles we haven’t yet imagined. And on the flip side, only about a quarter of employers (24%) believe AI won’t have any impact on job growth, and an even smaller fraction (18%) anticipate staff reductions.AI is like a pebble tossed into a pond, creating ripples that touch every aspect of the workplace. While it won’t be smooth sailing for everyone – some roles will evolve or even vanish – there’s a silver lining. That’s where upskilling and reskilling will take on an even more prominent role. AI is expected to be an ally rather than an adversary, with seven out of ten employers anticipating the technology will aid in their upskilling and reskilling efforts. By investing in training and development, we can equip our people to adapt and thrive in this new era.Overcoming hurdles to adoptionLet’s face it – bringing AI into the fold isn’t always a walk in the park. Our survey shows a substantial 72% of employers believe AI will significantly boost their business. But there are significant challenges that organisations face when integrating these technologies into their workflows.First, the cost. One-third of employers (33%) we surveyed cited high costs as a major obstacle to AI adoption. Implementing AI can indeed be a significant investment, particularly for smaller businesses. However, the long-term benefits of AI frequently outweigh these initial costs.Next, privacy and regulations. With data constantly in motion, 31% of employers are concerned about security and compliance. Equally as challenging is the skills gap as nearly one-third of employers (31%) have reported a lack of employees with necessary AI skills as a major barrier to adoption. Again, upskilling and reskilling are the keys here.Unlocking AI’s potential: Five strategies for successAI adoption isn’t just about integrating cutting-edge technology; it’s about fostering a culture where your workforce thrives alongside it. Here are five strategies that can help:Upskill and reskill workforce: Scale upskilling and reskilling initiatives to equip employees with the necessary skills to work alongside AI-based technologies.Redesign jobs based on human talent: Use AI to enhance human capabilities in job redesign efforts.Remove barriers: Overcome challenges like high costs, privacy concerns and lack of AI skills by establishing AI governance policies and investing in workforce development.Foster optimism across all levels: Engage employees at all levels to create a positive attitude and buy-in for AI-based technologies.Ensure ethical practices: Set up an AI council to discuss the tech’s usage and develop a policy aligned with regulations.Putting people firstAmidst the AI excitement, it’s crucial to remember the heart of your organisation: your people. After all, they’re the ones who will be working alongside these intelligent systems, day in and day out.Interestingly, AI optimism varies quite a bit depending on where you sit in the organisational hierarchy. According to the research, a whopping 69% of senior leaders are gung-ho about AI, while only 57% of frontline workers share that same level of enthusiasm. It’s understandable – leaders focus on strategic benefits, while those on the ground worry about day-to-day impacts.But here’s the thing – if you want your AI adoption journey to be a success, you need to bring everyone along for the ride. That means involving and supporting employees at all levels, from the C-suite to the factory floor. This involves more than just training; it’s about actively engaging your workforce in the process, soliciting their input and feedback and addressing their concerns head-on.As Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup Chairman & CEO, puts it: “Now is the time to prioritise upskilling, reskilling and job redesign to build a brighter future of work.” In other words, if you want to create a future where humans and machines can work together in harmony, you need to invest in your people. That means providing them with the skills and support they need to thrive in an AI-powered world.But it’s not just about individual employees – it’s about creating a culture of innovation and continuous learning. When your workforce feels valued, supported and empowered to experiment with new technologies, amazing things happen. They’ll be more likely to embrace AI as a tool to augment their capabilities, rather than a threat to their livelihoods.Embracing the futureThe AI era is here, bringing a world of opportunities for organisations ready to embrace change. By putting people first and implementing the strategies outlined in this report, you’ll be well-positioned to harness the power of AI and create a future-ready workforce.The journey ahead is an exciting one, filled with the potential for increased productivity, more meaningful work and enhanced human-machine collaboration. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our workplaces, we’ll see a shift towards a more innovative, creative and adaptable workforce – one that is empowered to achieve remarkable things.Download your copy of Building a People-First Strategy for AI-Powered Workforce Productivity now and start unlocking the full potential of AI for your organisation.

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