The future of work is already here. With the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in various sectors, the job market is undergoing a major transformation. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals with a skillset that extends beyond technical expertise, making them more adaptable to an increasingly digital and complex world.
In this reality, accompanied by the most advanced technological means, the separation between the human and the digital side no longer exists. In other words, tools and software are gaining the status of team members, not just mere means to achieve goals and objectives. The trend, as we observe, is towards an increasing metamorphosis of functions and responsibilities, as well as the emergence of teams composed of humans and AI, thereby challenging traditional organizational structures and work methods.
This scenario fosters numerous debates surrounding the potential economic challenges of technology for companies and workers. Some argue that the economic importance of human labor will diminish as AI advances, taking over a greater number of tasks in the coming years. Within this framework, numerous socioeconomic aspects will be raised, such as the devaluation of skills, the distribution of income, and the creation of new economic structures.
I don't place myself in this somewhat pessimistic camp. We are still far from a fully capable AI capable of performing important functions, whether in the job market or in general life. It still produces many incorrect outputs, even with increasingly robust language models. What makes it powerful is its association precisely with the human mind, capable of curating and endorsing the results produced by this and other technologies. Without the human element, we could end up with a multitude of tools of limited or little use.
To those, like me, who recognize that the future of work has arrived, it's worth reinforcing what's ahead. AI or technology will not take anyone's jobs; we need to remove that kind of logic from the equation. However, this new reality surrounding the job market demands a new set of skills, regardless of your field. Therefore, by developing these skills, you will be better prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities the world of work offers.
There are numbers to help illustrate what I mean. One in ten professionals hired this year holds a position that didn't exist 24 years ago, according to a research LinkedIn, which mentions common roles today like Sustainability Manager, AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Social Media Manager, and Customer Success Manager, but weren't well-known, in-demand (or even existent) in 2000.
The world's leading companies understand this. A number of CEOs interviewed in a... research IBM stated that people will continue to make all the difference in their businesses, but at least 35% of the workforce will need retraining and reskilling in the next three years – a significant increase compared to the 6% recorded three years ago. In other words, we're not just talking about productivity gains and cost reductions when we consider AI here.
Another proof that the future of work – or perhaps, the work of the future – is a strategic immediacy is the lack of qualified professionals in some fields of the economy and business. Because of this, as important as investing in the training of those already in your organization is becoming a "talent magnet", and for this, initiatives such as trust in leadership, remote and hybrid work opportunities, competitive compensation and actions favoring careers and diversity are key.
Some studies point to success stories for those who, in the corporate environment, show themselves to be flexible, resilient, and capable of transformation. According to one reportNearly 30% of the listed companies are successful in adopting work models focused on innovation, using cutting-edge technologies and a flexible, distributed workforce. These companies have 30% lower operating expenses, thanks to automation and improved processes, with positive financial gains for 57% of them.
Like all change, it can often be uncertain and cause a series of anxieties. The same LinkedIn research indicates that 49% of workers fear being left behind, with 64% stating they are overwhelmed by the speed of workplace changes (in Brazil, this figure rises to 87%). However, the number of professionals seeking additional courses and qualifications is also increasing – 79% of Brazilians highlight this demand in their respective fields.
AI is rapidly transforming how we interact with technology and complex problems. Just as important as the dilemmas surrounding its regulation and governance is the meaning of human work, a component that will remain the cornerstone of this equation, incorporating digital power and fundamental human values. Thus, skills will continue to be in high demand, as long as there is a willingness to reinvent oneself.
