AI revolution in workplace enhances human skill value

Workday has published a new global study that positions artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for a skills revolution in the workplace rather than a threat to human jobs.

The research, titled "Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution," shows that uniquely human traits such as empathy and ethical decision-making will become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy. The study, which surveyed 2,500 full-time workers across 22 countries, highlights that as AI automates routine tasks, it simultaneously elevates the importance of human-centric skills.

In Singapore, workers appear to be particularly advanced in their use of AI. A significant majority, 95%, report that AI enables them to concentrate on higher-level responsibilities, compared to the global average of 93%. Moreover, 94% of Singapore respondents show confidence in using AI for complex work. They are also more positive about AI's impact on human creativity, with 87% of participants sharing this view against a global average of 83%.

Jim Stratton, Chief Technology Officer at Workday, remarked, "The conversation around AI often focuses on fear and job loss, but we see it as an incredible opportunity. By embracing AI for good, we can elevate what makes us uniquely human – our creativity, our empathy, our ability to connect – and build a workplace where these skills drive success. Our research shows that workers are ready to embrace this possibility as reality."

The study also identifies a divergence in perspective between employees and leaders regarding the necessity for human connection in an AI-augmented workplace. While 82% of employees see an increasing need for human interaction, only 65% of managers agree. The report suggests that fostering human connections is vital as AI becomes more prevalent in the work environment.

Sadie Bell, Vice President of People Systems at HPE, commented, "AI is driving us towards a future where we can harness our innate human skills to connect, create, and innovate. This isn't just about efficiency and problem-solving; it's about unlocking our potential to build a future that prioritizes skills like empathy, ingenuity, and our shared humanity."

The research highlights that active AI users generally have a positive outlook on its benefits, with 92% of employees and 95% of leaders agreeing that AI allows them to focus on more strategic tasks. This sentiment showcases the potential of AI to transform workplaces by facilitating innovative and meaningful collaborations.

Ethical decision-making, relationship building, and conflict resolution are amongst the skills perceived as least likely to be supplanted by AI but are considered the most crucial for workplace success. The emphasis on these skills indicates their growing significance in the face of increasing AI adoption.

Jennie Rogerson, Global Head of People at Canva, stated, "In 2025, AI will play an important role in unlocking efficiencies in how People teams operate, but it won't replace the essential human elements, like empathy, communication and relationship building."

Moreover, 90% of workers agree that AI can enhance organisational transparency and accountability. Despite societal concerns over AI affecting trust in the workplace, this widespread confidence suggests an optimistic future for AI's role in business environments.

A key aspect revealed by the study is the need for substantial collaboration across sectors to ensure that AI is applied responsibly and benefits all stakeholders. This responsibility is shared between the technology sector, individual organisations, and governments.

The study concludes that embracing AI offers an opportunity to elevate human potential and that fostering the development of uniquely human skills will be imperative for future success in an AI-driven world. The shared commitment to responsible AI use represents a collective step towards a more integrated and progressive future.