65% of HR managers say using AI tools will be a top ranked skill, study finds
45% of HR managers say it is important to have a clear AI policy guideline on how to and how not to use AI at work.
Digital skills are not new to the workplace environment. If you work in an office (or anywhere for that matter) you’ll need some tech savvy to be effective. But what do HR managers see as the next skills needed in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) world?
A new research report called Skills for Success in the AI-Driven Future by TalentMLS, shows that overall, 64% of HR managers agree that AI is changing key in-demand skills for workers. Essentially, the research looks at four skill areas, which include: digital skills, self-management skills, interpersonal skills and cognitive skills.
Within the digital skill area 65% of HR managers say using AI tools will be a top ranked skill and will be showcased by people who can navigate AI-powered systems, have familiarity with AI interfaces, and use generative AI. Within the area of cognitive skills, 55% of managers say AI literacy is the new “must-have” skill for all employees, while 20% are not sure and 25% say no.
Interestingly, some skills can wane as AI skills grow in numbers. For example, as AI grows some soft skills “remain uniquely human,” says the research report. It is the soft skills that allow people to collaborate well, understand points’ of view, adapt to change and build relationships. That’s why developing and refining soft skills will become a priority for companies.
Asked about soft skills growing in importance a AI adoption spreads 23% strongly agreed and 35% somewhat agreed. On the other side of the spectrum, 21% neither agreed nor disagreed, 10% somewhat disagreed and 12% strongly disagreed.
Also, the research shows that 43% of HR managers believe their company will face a skills gap because of the rise of AI. To overcome that 58% are upskilling or reskilling, 58% are investing in AI training tools, 41% are hiring new employees, 35% are coaching and mentoring, 23% are outsourcing or leveraging external contractors and freelancers and 9% don’t have a plan for overcoming a skills gap.
Read more: Don’t fear that AI is here: How the emerging tech can help HR pros
The transition to AI is already happening. HR managers are transitioning too and 45% say it is important to have a clear AI policy guideline on how to and how not to use AI at work. AI has tasks, says the report, and people have goals and objectives. Using AI to leverage tasks that help people focus on what matters, concludes the report, will form an alliance that can help propel growth and hidden potential.