A Look at the AI + Human Workforce of the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work in unprecedented ways. From automating tasks to augmenting human capabilities, AI is creating new opportunities and challenges for workers and employers alike. But what will the AI + Human workforce of the future look like? How can we prepare for the changes and leverage the benefits of this new era?

In this blog post, we will explore some of the key trends and implications of the AI + Human workforce based on the latest research and insights from experts in the field. We will also share some tips and best practices for adapting and thriving in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The rise of hybrid roles and skills

One of the most significant impacts of AI on the workforce is the emergence of hybrid roles and skills that combine human and machine intelligence. According to a report by McKinsey, by 2030, up to 375 million workers worldwide may need to switch occupations or acquire new skills as a result of automation and AI. Moreover, a study by IBM found that 120 million workers in the world's 12 largest economies may need to be retrained or reskilled in the next three years due to AI.

These findings suggest that workers will need to develop a mix of technical and soft skills that enable them to collaborate with machines and leverage their unique human strengths. Some examples of these hybrid skills are:

• Data literacy: The ability to understand, analyze, and communicate data effectively.
• Digital fluency: The ability to use digital tools and platforms to perform tasks and solve problems.
• Creativity: The ability to generate novel and valuable ideas and solutions.
• Critical thinking: The ability to evaluate information and arguments objectively and logically.
• Emotional intelligence: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own and other's emotions.
• Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively in various modes and contexts.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal.

These skills are not only essential for working with AI, but also for working across diverse teams, cultures, and domains. As the world becomes more interconnected and complex, workers will need to be able to adapt to changing situations and learn new things continuously.

The shift from tasks to outcomes

Another important implication of AI on the workforce is the shift from tasks to outcomes. As AI takes over routine and repetitive tasks, workers will have more time and space to focus on higher-value activities that require human judgment, creativity, and empathy. This means that workers will need to redefine their roles and responsibilities based on the outcomes they want to achieve rather than the tasks they need to perform.

For example, a customer service representative may no longer need to answer simple queries or process transactions that a chatbot or a voice assistant can handle. Instead, they may need to focus on building rapport with customers, resolving complex issues, or providing personalized recommendations. Similarly, a teacher may no longer need to grade assignments or deliver lectures that can be automated or digitized. Instead, they may need to focus on designing engaging learning experiences, facilitating discussions, or providing feedback.

This shift from tasks to outcomes requires workers to adopt a more proactive and strategic mindset that aligns with the goals and values of their organization. It also requires workers to embrace a culture of experimentation and innovation that allows them to test new ideas and learn from failures.

The opportunity for human-AI collaboration

A third major impact of AI on the workforce is the opportunity for human-AI collaboration. Rather than viewing AI as a threat or a replacement, workers can view AI as a partner or an enabler that can enhance their performance and productivity. By leveraging the complementary strengths of humans and machines, workers can achieve otherwise impossible outcomes.

For instance, a doctor can use AI to diagnose diseases, prescribe treatments, or monitor patients' health. However, they still need human skills such as empathy, communication, or ethics to interact with patients, explain their options, or address their concerns. Similarly, a writer can use AI to generate content, edit text, or optimize headlines. However, they still need human skills such as creativity, storytelling, or humor to craft engaging narratives, express their voice, or connect with their audience.

To foster effective human-AI collaboration, workers need to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI systems, as well as their own strengths and weaknesses. They also need to establish clear roles and expectations for themselves and their AI counterparts, as well as trust and transparency in their interactions.

How to prepare for the AI + Human workforce

As we have seen, the AI + Human workforce presents both opportunities and challenges for workers in various sectors and roles. To prepare for this new reality, workers need to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning and continuous improvement that enables them to keep up with the pace of change and stay relevant in the market.

Some practical steps that workers can take to prepare for the AI + Human workforce are:

• Assess their current skills and identify any gaps or areas for improvement.
• Seek feedback from peers, managers, mentors, or coaches on their performance and potential.
• Explore online courses, workshops, webinars, podcasts, books, or blogs that offer relevant learning content and resources.
• Join online communities, forums, networks, or events that connect them with other learners and experts in their field.
• Apply their learning to real-world projects or challenges that showcase their skills and value.
• Track their progress and achievements using digital portfolios or badges.

Conclusion

The AI + Human workforce is not a distant future but a present reality that is reshaping the world of work in profound ways. By developing hybrid skills that combine human and machine intelligence; by shifting from tasks to outcomes that require human judgment; creativity; empathy; by collaborating with AI systems that enhance their performance; productivity; workers can prepare for this new era; leverage its benefits; create positive impact for themselves; their organizations; society at large.

: McKinsey Global Institute (2017). Jobs lost; jobs gained: Workforce transitions in a time of automation. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/Future%20of%20Organizations/What%20the%20future%20of%20work%20will%20mean%20for%20jobs%20skills%20and%20wages/MGI-Jobs-Lost-Jobs-Gained-Report-December-6-2017.pdf : IBM Institute for Business Value (2019). The enterprise guide to closing the skills gap: Strategies for building & maintaining a skilled workforce. https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/EPKMK8EA