Defining jobs in an AI world: future skills navigator.

By Reinout Brons, Consulting Lead EMEA, KellyOCG

The rapid evolution of work is undeniable, and at the heart of this transformation is the rise of AI and automation. As these technologies are increasingly used to complete repetitive tasks once performed by humans, job requirements are changing. This evolution poses significant challenges for organisations trying to hire for roles that may look vastly different in the very near future. 

HR, talent acquisition, and procurement leaders are recognising the urgent need to prepare their organisations for these upcoming hiring challenges and create resilient workforces. This was a topic of great interest at the recent CWS Summit Europe, where these implications of ignoring AI-powered job evolution were on everyone’s mind: 

  • Skills obsolescence
  • Low employee engagement
  • Difficulty retaining employees
  • High turnover and recruiting costs
  • Decreased productivity
  • Competitive disadvantage

Identifying skills gaps and defining tomorrow’s jobs. 

Organisations need to consider the growing impact of AI and automation on job roles as they develop job descriptions and determine necessary skills. At the same time, it’s essential to keep current employees engaged and skilled to stay relevant in a shifting workplace. According to our 2024 Kelly Global Re:work Report, 55% of executives believe AI will be crucial for enhancing future workforce capabilities. Yet one in five acknowledge that their digital strategies for workforce development are currently ineffective. 

Future skills navigator. 

This is where strategic consulting plays a pivotal role. By combining workforce expertise and advanced technology, organisations can prepare for future hiring needs and transition to skills-based hiring. 

We refer to it as our “future skills navigator.” It’s the unique combination of consulting experience and proprietary AI-powered technology that allows us to effectively outline the jobs and skills required now and in the future. 

Start taking advantage of our future skills navigator consultancy approach by answering these important strategic workforce planning questions: 

  • What skills will be necessary in the future?
  • Can future needs be met through training and upskilling?
  • Is it essential to hire for new skill sets?
  • What tasks should we automate now to prepare for the future?

Be prepared. 

The insights gained by answering these questions will guide decision-making, allowing organisations to confidently: 

  • Determine the mix of their workforce, whether permanent, contingent, or a blend of both.
  • Diagnose and design future workforce management solutions.
  • Audit current suppliers to ensure they can meet future needs.
  • Decide if they will develop or purchase additional automation solutions.

With the right knowledge, practical insights, and consulting expertise organisations can strategically position themselves and their workforce for agility and growth. 

An ongoing relationship. 

How we utilise the future skills navigator will vary for each individual organisation, evolving alongside strategic workforce planning as part of a continuous consulting relationship. Leveraging the latest AI technology, the practice is designed to be quickly implemented and provides cost-effective guidance, equipping organisations with the data, insights, and actionable steps needed to enhance workforce resilience. 

If you are interested in exploring our future skills navigator further, please reach out. We’re always happy to discuss the future of work.