Generative AI is reshaping the workforce, particularly impacting more educated workers, according to McKinsey. While automation traditionally affected blue-collar industries, Generative AI is expected to boost productivity, cut costs, and create new growth opportunities across various sectors.
The technology has gained attention since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, sparking discussions about its potential to revolutionize industries and possibly render jobs redundant. As a result, the demand for upskilling and reskilling to keep up with the evolving landscape has surged.
Experts suggest that employees can stay relevant by developing skill sets that include analytical thinking, creative thinking, leadership and social influence, AI and big data, as well as curiosity and lifelong learning. However, there's a notable discrepancy between employees and employers in prioritizing these skills.
Analytical thinking is crucial in the age of AI as the technology requires human oversight to draw informed conclusions from processed data. Similarly, while Generative AI can efficiently generate content, it lacks human judgment and the ability to generate truly novel solutions.
As Generative AI automates routine tasks, it will likely free up more time for people-oriented and knowledge-based responsibilities. Consequently, "people skills" and tasks based on expertise will become central to the workday.
Adaptability has shown a notable surge in demand, signifying a top 'skill of the moment' with the profound changes brought about by AI technology. The responsibility for training and upskilling the workforce lies mainly with companies. However, it's increasingly evident that human-centric skills, including adaptability, creativity, social influence, and curiosity, will be vital for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving job landscape. Ultimately, these "human" skills are irreplaceable by Generative AI.