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With automation set to shake up the workforce as we know it, there is a vital opportunity for you to educate staff on the risks and benefits.
Adaptation is crucial to business success. The pandemic was a perfect example of that, as organisations had to alter their processes to stay relevant as the workforce was tipped on its head.
Transformation is vital in this adaptation. Those who are able to harness this change to their advantage can help to stay relevant and ahead during unpredictable times.
A key player in this change is the emergence of tech, especially artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. According to Hays, 64 per cent of employers revealed that automation would change the skills make-up of their workforce in the next decade.
This will require employees to upskill and prepare for this change. In fact, almost all employers surveyed are planning to do so, with 96 per cent upping workers’ digital skills, 95 per cent improving their technical skills, and 85 per cent focusing on soft skills.
Upskilling goes hand in hand with transformation, as employees must be prepared for whatever shifts the business goes through. Employees realise this, as 97 per cent agree that upskilling is crucial in “future-proofing” their organisation.
However, there seems to be a disconnect with leadership, as just 48 per cent of workers said there are plans to develop their technical skills in the coming year.
In order to truly embrace the digital change we’re already in the midst of, employers must prepare their workforce through upskilling and reskilling.
“Formal and informal learning and development opportunities should be an imperative for any business leader, and employee, wanting to keep pace. The first step should be toward identifying the skills you have and mapping out the skills needed for the future,” said Hays.
“The uncertainty of how new and emerging technologies will impact the technical needs of any job role means that focus is shifting away from job titles and the technical capabilities required to perform those roles, over to skills and skill clusters.”
Tech is also having an impact on job roles. Redesign may be necessary in the future as digitisation continues. This could force employers to rethink their strategies and the roles that comprise their organisation.
AI and automation aren’t having the effect on business that leaders thought. According to Hays, 50 per cent of business leaders expected AI and automation to decrease headcounts. However, this emerging tech has forced 50 per cent to increase staff levels.
This creates a new challenge of identifying what positions are needed and what aren’t. This is good news for workers, however, as the inevitable loss of jobs due to technological advancements will pave way for positions needed to upkeep this tech.
Jack Campbell
Jack is the editor at HR Leader.
