The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Your Workforce.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting numerous industries today, in a shift driven by the convergence of other cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT). There’s no doubt these advancements promise to revolutionize efficiency and productivity. 

While exciting opportunities abound, businesses face challenges in adapting their workforces. This article explores practical ways to leverage AI for competitive advantage, focusing on talent acquisition strategies and workforce development in the age of AI. Crucial questions remain, like: What role will humans play in the future of AI? 

Thankfully, we don’t expect to be replaced by our robot overlords, at least not this year. 

Sure, some seers might already envision a future where robots and machines entirely replace human workers. A more nuanced look at the dynamics involved will reveal a different potential. While AI offers undeniable benefits, it's not a universal remedy for the complex challenges facing the technical sectors. Human ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving skills will remain an indispensable part. 

Instead of becoming obsolete, you can expect the human role to evolve towards more collaboration, supervision, and strategic decision-making. This will require a paradigm shift in how we approach work, focusing not on replacing humans, but rather on augmenting their capabilities and unlocking their full potential. We must take a collaborative approach, where humans and machines learn to work better in tandem, leveraging each other's unique strengths. 

AI: transforming workforces across domains. 

AI is already automating repetitive tasks across various domains. Think data analysis in engineering projects or routine customer service inquiries. This frees up valuable human resources for tasks requiring creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. But AI will also require new skills and competencies, such as data science, machine learning, computer vision, and software engineering.  

A critical challenge emerges: identifying and acquiring talent with these in-demand skill sets. Engineering firms need to invest in training and upskilling their workforce, as well as attracting and retaining talent with the right qualifications and experience. The skills required for success in AI are changing rapidly. Companies may need to invest in comprehensive training programs that equip their workforce with the necessary skills in data analysis, AI literacy, and digital collaboration tools. 

Embrace AI as a partner, not a replacement. 

AI is not meant to replace human decision-making, but rather to augment it. By leveraging AI for processes like data analysis, predictive maintenance, and process optimization, humans can make informed decisions based on real-time insights, leading to improved performance and reduced downtime. 

As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, human skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence become even more valuable. These “soft skills” will be crucial for working effectively with advanced automation technologies and navigating the complexities of the modern work landscape. 

AI is disrupting the workforce, but employees are unprepared. 

Beyond recruitment, fostering a "Workforce Resilience" strategy is crucial. This approach emphasizes continuous learning and upskilling to ensure your team can adapt to the changing technological environment. Consider some of these key findings from recent research compiled in The 2024 Kelly Global Re:work Report: Building a Resilient Workforce in the Age of AI.  

• Executives are confident in their AI strategies and 6 in 10 (64%) are investing in AI or automation to improve employee productivity, efficiency, and engagement. 

• More than half of executives (55%) say AI will be critical to strengthening the capability of their workforce in the future, yet 1 in 5 admit that their digital strategies are ineffective. (if we are using %, let’s stay consistent – 1 in 5 --> 20%)  

• More than half of executives (56%) say they are adopting AI to enable human workers to perform tasks more effectively. 

• 48% of executives say they are successfully automating aspects of their business and 46% say they have a clear strategy for how they will use AI to support work that is currently delivered by humans. 

• Most employees recognize this, and 7 in 10 (73%) expect AI to impact their roles. However, only about a third of employees (36%) feel positive about AI and most (63%) have negative or mixed feelings. 

• Only 4 in 10 employees (39%) say they have received AI-related training. 

AI is here to stay, but firms need to catch up.  

There’s a gap in perception between employees and executives that must be closed as soon as possible to catch up. Executives foresee a fast-growing role for AI in their organizations. But what about employees? Only about one-third (36%) feel positive about that prospect, while 63% have negative or mixed feelings. (could we create a fun visual to show the Great Divide?) 

Part of the reason may be that the conversation about AI is running ahead of practical steps to support its implementation. Although a strikingly high 67% of employees say their employers have explained how AI will affect their roles, just 48% are sure of how they will use AI overall in the organization. Only 39% say they have received AI-related training. Such a gap leaves too much space for employees’ doubts and concerns to creep in. If organizations are to implement AI effectively, they need to demonstrate real-time applications of the technology.  

Kelly: your partner in the AI talent game. 

At Kelly, we understand the evolving talent landscape across various domains. As the expert at hiring experts, we speak your language and can find the right person experts to fill your jobs and or the right team to run your projects. We have a deep understanding of the skills and experience that are most in demand in today’s market. 

In a specific example, we recently partnered with a leading company to identify and hire data scientists. Our platform filtered through a vast pool of candidates, pinpointing those with the ideal blend of technical expertise and data analysis skills. This resulted in a 20% reduction in time-to-hire and a more qualified talent pool for their initiatives. 

AI presents a transformative opportunity for businesses across various domains. Recruitment is just one piece of the puzzle. Training and development programs will equip your existing workforce with the skills needed to thrive alongside AI. By leveraging the expertise of a partner like Kelly for talent acquisition, training, and development—you can build and retain a future-proof workforce that thrives in the age of AI.  

For more information on how Kelly can support your need for STEM talent, visit our website today. 

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As a talent solutions specialist, Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom is ready to partner with you. We provide a full portfolio of customized recruitment solutions to complement your business needs from the contract, contract to hire, and direct hire to statementworX, an agile statement of work (SOW) solution that’s tailored to fit your business across a suite of delivery models.