As technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), accelerate at an unprecedented pace, the future of work is undergoing a dramatic transformation. By 2027, nearly half (44%) of core workplace skills will face disruption, according to a World Economic Forum report. With AI expected to automate 42% of business tasks within the same timeframe, both workers and employers are scrambling to adapt to this new reality.
According to the sources of Leaders team, at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils in Dubai, a panel of experts convened to discuss the rapidly shifting landscape of work in a session titled “Skills in the Age of AI.” The discussion brought together thought leaders, including Nela Richardson (Chief Economist, ADP), Stuart Russell (Computer Science Professor, UC Berkeley), Jo O’Driscoll-Kearney (Chief Learning Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding), and Abdallah Abu-Sheikh (Founder and CEO, Astra Tech). Here are the key insights from the session:
- AI Will Reshape Jobs, Not Erase Them
AI’s greatest impact will be on freeing workers from repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, creating space for innovation and more engaging work. “AI is here to elevate the human,” remarked O’Driscoll-Kearney. However, the panel agreed that the workforce must remain proactive in acquiring new skills to stay relevant. “It’s not AI that will take jobs, but the lack of AI knowledge that will,” she added.
For businesses, investing in reskilling employees is no longer optional but necessary. Richardson noted, “AI changes how companies view their talent and, hopefully, helps them invest in it.”
While predictions vary on how quickly AI will reach human-level intelligence, Russell suggested a timeline of at least two decades, providing some breathing room for workers and industries to adapt.
- Soft Skills Will Dominate the Future of Work
In an age of automation, uniquely human traits will become increasingly valuable. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, soft skills—such as adaptability, cultural awareness, and critical thinking—will be the most sought-after abilities by 2027.
“Even AI needs a human hand,” said Richardson, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity in AI-generated content. Abu-Sheikh highlighted adaptability as crucial: “The most successful individuals aren’t necessarily the most learned but the best survivors.”
Organizations, too, must adapt their training strategies. “We need to meet learners not just where they are, but where they can be,” O’Driscoll-Kearney explained, advocating for innovative approaches to delivering education through diverse platforms and formats.
- Education Must Evolve to Keep Pace with AI
One of the biggest challenges lies in the education sector’s ability to keep up with rapid technological change. Abu-Sheikh warned, “The better technology gets, the worse formal education becomes at staying relevant.”
As per the sources of Leaders team, Russell echoed this concern, highlighting the slow pace of academia. He also shared an innovative teaching method: encouraging students to use tools like ChatGPT to draft essays but grading them on their ability to improve AI-generated content. Such approaches, he argued, foster critical thinking while preparing students for real-world applications of AI.
AI also has the potential to revolutionize education in underserved regions. Personalized AI tutors, Russell suggested, could dramatically lower costs and enhance learning by guiding students through questions and encouraging research.
The Road Ahead
AI’s transformative power is both a challenge and an opportunity. While automation may disrupt traditional roles, it also creates space for workers to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The key to thriving in this evolving landscape will be adaptability—for individuals, businesses, and education systems alike.
As Russell aptly put it, “AI should act not as something that does the work for you, but as a tutor guiding you to think critically and explore new ideas.” By embracing this mindset, the workforce of tomorrow can harness AI’s potential to create a more dynamic and inclusive economy.
