Introduction
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about a seismic shift in the global workforce landscape. A recent IBM AI study has shed light on the profound changes that AI is set to bring in the coming years. This article delves into the key findings of the study, exploring the implications for workers, organizations, and the future of work itself.
The Need for Reskilling: A Global Perspective
According to the IBM AI study, about 40% of the global workforce, or roughly 1.4 billion individuals, will need to be reskilled in the next three years.
Why Reskilling?
The study emphasizes that job roles will be augmented rather than replaced by AI. This means that existing skills will need to be enhanced, and new skills developed, to keep pace with technological advancements.
The Challenge of Identifying Skills
One of the major hurdles organizations face is identifying existing skills within their teams and determining what’s lacking. This process of “capturing and identifying skills” is crucial for deciding where to invest in new talent or promote internal mobility.
The Benefits of Embracing AI in Reskilling
Organizations that successfully reskill their workers, with a focus on AI, report a higher growth rate of 36% than the average. This highlights the tangible benefits of embracing AI in workforce development.
The Age of the Augmented Workforce
IBM’s study aligns with the World Economic Forum’s predictions, heralding “the age of the augmented workforce.” In this era, human-machine partnerships will boost productivity and create new business value.
The Disruption and Creation of Jobs
Between 2020 and 2025, an estimated 85 million jobs globally will be disrupted, while 97 million new roles will be created. This dynamic shift underscores the importance of adaptability in the workforce.
Changing Importance of Skills
Interestingly, the IBM AI study found that the need for STEM skills has dropped significantly, falling from the most important in 2016 to 12th place in 2023.
Rise of No-Code Platforms
With the emergence of no-code software development platforms, employees without a programming background can create business-critical prototypes and apps. This has democratized technology, allowing more people to engage with it.
The Ascendance of People Skills
People skills have surged in importance, with abilities like time management, teamwork, and effective communication rising to the top three spots. These soft skills are becoming increasingly vital in a technology-driven world.
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The Importance of Impactful Work
The study emphasizes the need for companies to consider “impactful work” for their employees. This factor ranks highly for workers but is often overlooked by executives, creating a potential disconnect.
Comparative Analysis with Other Studies
The IBM study’s findings present a larger impact on workers compared to a March 2023 study by Goldman-Sachs, which estimated AI’s impact to extend to 300 million workers worldwide.
Conclusion
The IBM AI study offers a comprehensive insight into the future of the global workforce in the age of AI. It paints a picture of a world where reskilling is not just an option but a necessity, where soft skills gain prominence, and where the human-machine partnership defines a new era of productivity and growth. The findings serve as a roadmap for organizations and individuals alike, guiding them towards a future where technology and humanity coalesce in harmony.
FAQs
- What is the main finding of the IBM AI study?
- The study found that 40% of the global workforce will need to be reskilled in the next three years due to AI’s impact.
- How will AI affect job roles?
- AI will augment rather than replace job roles, necessitating the enhancement of existing skills and the development of new ones.
- What skills are becoming more important according to the study?
- People skills such as time management, teamwork, and communication have risen in importance, while STEM skills have dropped.
- What is the “age of the augmented workforce”?
- It refers to an era where human-machine partnerships boost productivity and create new business value.
- How does the IBM AI study compare to other studies on AI’s impact?
- The IBM study estimates a larger impact on workers compared to other studies, such as the one by Goldman-Sachs, reflecting a broader view of AI’s influence on the workforce.
