AI and automation are revolutionizing nearly every industry, and the need for continuous learning and skill development has never been more critical. According to a recent Forbes survey, using AI for customer service is the top function for businesses, with 56% reporting that it is used for that purpose. Even if not for customer service, most organizations are using AI in some way, like the 51% using it for cybersecurity and fraud management. Leaders are overwhelmingly confident in AI’s positive impact — 97% of business owners believe ChatGPT will help their business, underscoring the growing importance of AI tools in driving business efficiency and innovation.
This rapid adoption of AI highlights the urgent need for new skills to leverage these technologies effectively. They are becoming invaluable tools for streamlining processes, impactful customer interactions, and strategic decision-making.
However, any progress will always bring disruption. Some roles face obsolescence, with AI partially taking over positions like customer service representatives and internal communications employees. In their stead, the need for advanced digital and creative skills is on the rise. For instance, 64% of business owners anticipate that AI will improve customer relationships and productivity, highlighting the growing importance of adaptability in the workplace. Leveraging AI and improving technology, while also equipping your team with the tools to use them effectively is key for remaining relevant against competitors. Organizations that invest in robust upskilling and reskilling initiatives will attract top talent and position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape.
As we go into 2025, we urge our clients to embrace lifelong learning, as it will be key to remaining competitive in every industry, as well as indicate the capability to achieve long-term success. Without adapting to changing technology and new tools, your organization is at risk of falling behind, and so is your team. Continuous learning is a key pillar of fostering career resilience for the individual, as well as organizational growth.
The Impact of AI and Automation on Careers
According to a study by McKinsey, automation, fueled by generative AI tools like Chat GPT, is poised to take on an even greater role in the workplace. With the current tools, AI has the projected potential to automate tasks that take up 70% of employees’ time, and by 2030, up to 30% of hours worked globally could be automated. Just over half of occupations, 60%, will experience at least a third of their job responsibilities could be automated. Up to 12 million workers in the US and Europe will experience some kind of transformation in their responsibilities and job functions. While some jobs will be replaced, many roles will evolve, requiring employees to develop new skills to adapt to changing demands.
Industries that can expect the largest shifts in response to technological advancements are healthcare, finance, education, retail, and transportation. These five industries are most at risk of changes from AI and automation because they rely on data analysis, operational efficiency, and repetitive tasks, while also having room for potential innovation. Industries like finance and healthcare could specifically benefit from AI processing and evaluating large sets of data, while retail and transportation will leverage AI to streamline processes and eliminate human error. Healthcare and education also have the potential to benefit from enhanced accessibility and uniformity industry-wide.
Adaptability is Key
The only constant in business and life is change, and AI is accelerating that reality in every sector. With the advent of new technology, emerging trends, economic shifts, global pandemics, and many other developments that we can’t even try to predict, adaptability is more important now than ever. Remaining agile, reacting to, and moving with the changes has become a core piece of an effective business strategy—and its importance will only grow as AI plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the modern world.
For individuals, adaptability benefits their career growth. Those who learn to use new technology as tools to push their work to new heights will have a resilient career that will help them succeed for years to come. Acting as lifelong learners, those who take the time to reskill and upskill with changing technology are future-proofing their long-term careers.
While lifelong learning and constant growth will benefit the individual, reskilling and upskilling will also benefit your organization. Employees who learn to harness new technology not only drive innovation but also position your organization as a leader in your industry, giving you a cutting-edge and competitive advantage.
Reskilling and Upskilling Your Organization
What exactly are reskilling and upskilling, and how can your organization use them as tools?
Reskilling is a form of recycling. It means taking skills your team may already have and repurposing them in different applications, often in a new department or role. It’s building on a foundation to create something better. An example of one of the industries projected to be most impacted by AI and automation is a data entry specialist reskilling to become a data analyst. With AI being able to quickly parse through data, learning to interpret the output of an AI tool, and identifying trends based on the findings are skills that data entry specialists can add to their preexisting knowledge of data sets.
Upskilling is giving an individual more tools to be stronger in a role they already have. This could look like a nurse learning to use AI to optimize a patient’s treatment plan based on medical records and data from vitals. The nurse is still a nurse, but they are learning to be a nurse who leverages technology to be a pioneer in their field.
Offering effective reskilling and upskilling opportunities involves things like:
- Hosting workshops
- Paying for or offering online courses
- Inviting experts to demonstrate how AI tools can be applied in your industry
Embracing change at every level, from executives to entry-level employees, positions your organization as an industry leader, ensuring it stays ahead of the innovation curve. As AI and automation reshape industries, organizations that invest in reskilling and upskilling will build a more resilient, competitive workforce. Empowering employees to adapt and leverage new technologies drives innovation, enhances productivity, reduces turnover, and attracts top talent. By fostering lifelong learning, your organization can remain future-proof and thrive in a constantly evolving landscape across any sector while attracting the talent needed to elevate your business to the next level.
Conclusion
Is your organization prepared to integrate AI and automation while equipping your team for success? At Promark, we help businesses navigate these transitions, ensuring your workforce remains adaptable, skilled, and ready to lead. Contact us today to discover how we can turn reskilling and upskilling into a strategic advantage for your business.