2023 was the year when, for many, AI shifted from science fiction to science fact. The launch of ChatGPT and Google’s Bard caught everyone’s imagination both positively and negatively.

Suddenly we were hearing how copywriters, legal assistants, market researchers, coders and even teachers were at risk of being replaced by technology. Of course, this was an overreaction or at least for now!

But this does lead to the question of how do we future proof people to ensure they have the skills for the constantly evolving world of work? Here are some strategies worth considering:

Promote lifelong learning – Encourage a culture of continuous learning where employees are motivated to acquire new skills throughout their careers. Support ongoing education, training programs, and provide resources for self-directed learning.

Skill development and reskilling – As well as helping employees to develop skills and knowledge related to the emerging trends of your industry, skills development should also focus on the skills that can’t be filled by robots so focus on:

• Cognitive skills e.g., critical thinking and communication
• Interpersonal e.g., Emotional intelligence, listening, empathy, building trust
• Self-leadership e.g., independent thinking, self-management, self-motivation, decision-making, goal setting
• Digital e.g., digital literacy, data analytics and data literacy

Encourage cross-functional experience – Facilitate cross-functional experiences to broaden employees’ perspectives and skill sets. Exposure to different roles and functions enhances adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. Non-core project assignments are a great way to achieve this.

Invest in employee well-being – Prioritise employee well-being by promoting work-life balance, mental health support, and initiatives that reduce stress. A healthy and motivated workforce is better equipped to face future challenges and embrace change.

Foster a culture that embraces change and innovation – Like some of the reactions to ChatGPT, change is normally regarded negatively. By fostering a culture that values continuous improvement and innovation, resistance to change will be reduced and employees will feel more secure in adapting to change and new technology.

 By implementing these strategies, you can create an environment where employees are not only equipped with the skills they need for the future, but you will also be enhancing the employee experience and limiting future disruption to your business. 

On a final note, we know that despite talent being in short supply it’s relatively easy to backfill a role – you have budget for headcount, there’s a job description, and someone was recently performing the role so there must be a need – HR just need to fill the position – easy!

 However, we suggest you pause and reflect on whether the role is really needed in its entirety or whether this is an opportunity to redesign the role. By making this decision when there isn’t an active jobholder, you won’t risk the negative impact of changing the role or letting someone go.

 If you would like to discuss strategies for future proofing your people or job redesign to improve your EX, then get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.