The rise of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) has triggered a significant transformation in the skills actively required
by employers. As AI continues to advance, it has become increasingly crucial
for employers to prepare their employees for this transformative era. One of
the most effective approaches to assist employees in navigating this new world,
can be achieved through upskilling and reskilling your employees.
Imagine a world where AI seamlessly
enhances every aspect of your workplace. AI has introduced the ability to
automate a wide range of tasks, from mundane data entry to complex
problem-solving. Not only has this created redundancy for certain low-level
tasks but this shift has also created a growing demand for AI-related skills in
the job market, especially for roles that involve repetitive tasks.
Consequently, concerns have arisen about job displacement and the widening
skills gap. How will organizations hire for mid-level roles when no one has had
experience in entry level positions if AI takes over such positions?
Employers and employees who embrace
upskilling and reskilling are already ahead in their journey and are set to thrive
in this changing landscape. Upskilling offers employees additional training to
enhance their existing skills, while reskilling involves training them in
entirely new skill areas.
At Resourgenix, a recurring trend has
emerged in our interactions with clients: an increasing demand for AI expertise
among prospective hires. What captures the attention of the hiring managers is
the capacity for individuals to proactively enhance their skill sets,
demonstrating agility in acquiring new proficiencies through reskilling or
upskilling. This attribute has become a compelling magnet for talent
acquisition, especially in the recruitment of key, pivotal roles.
We have found that businesses who have
implemented strategies to safeguard their workplaces are focusing on the
following key deliverables:
1. Data Proficiency: As AI and machine learning
technologies become available to all, there is an increasing need for
professionals who can interpret and analyse data generated by these systems.
While data is readily available to all companies, the ability to interpret and
provide valuable insights is what drives key decisions.
2. AI and Machine Learning Competence: AI goes beyond automation; it also
involves augmentation. For example, software developers and IT specialists can
undergo reskilling to understand and apply AI and machine learning algorithms
in their tasks.
3. Digital Proficiency and Cybersecurity
Expertise: With the expansion of
AI, employees need to navigate digital platforms securely. Upskilling employees
in digital literacy and reskilling them in cybersecurity enhances a company’s
AI investments, ensuring responsible and secure usage.
4. Boosting Employee morale and retention: Expanding upskilling and reskilling
opportunities can increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. When employees
see their employer investing in their growth, their commitment to the
organization deepens.
To be set up for the future,
businesses play a pivotal role in facilitating upskilling and reskilling
initiatives. By continually assessing their workforce’s existing skills and
identifying gaps, companies can introduce methods for employee skill
development.
1. Building a Skills Repository: Creating a platform that houses
employees’ skill profiles across all job categories, including permanent and
contingent workers, provides insights into skill gaps and hidden talents. This
encourages employees to assess their proficiencies and identify areas for
improvement.
1. Skill Assessment Tests: Online tools that offer skill
assessment tests can objectively evaluate employee skills and pinpoint areas
where improvement is required.
2. Providing Training Opportunities: Companies that offer a variety of
training options, from in-house sessions to online courses, have an advantage
in the evolving skills landscape.
Our journey with our clients has seen
success where talent pools are established with a focus on skill sets relevant
to their talent needs. These pools encompass not only the talents within our
clients’ existing workforce but also extend to external resources, including
non-permanent workforce. The key to the success of this Talent Solution lies in
harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, which, bring to the forefront
the opportunities that are matched to the candidate or employee’s skills.
Discussions about AI often focus on
hard skills, soft skills are equally important. These soft skills are essential
for understanding outcomes and resolving challenges effectively:
1. Innovative Problem-Solving: This skill is fundamental to all
others. Optimal problem-solving involves selecting the right approach,
assessing available resources, and continuously reassessing the problem to find
solutions.
2. Decision-Making: Given the many ways AI can be used,
the ability to weigh pros and cons when selecting the right approach to a
problem is crucial. Starting with the wrong algorithm can lead to future
complications.
3. Effective Communication: This remains a key skill because
there is often a gap between the technical and business aspects of AI. Teams
need to be able to bridge this gap through clear communication.
The AI revolution presents both
challenges and opportunities. Employers and employees who embrace upskilling
and reskilling, are future proofing themselves and with this in place employers
can promote employee growth but also contribute to overall business success.
The era of collaborative progress between humans and AI is here—a future where
advancement thrives through collaboration, innovation, and shared progress.
