Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, and more and more organizations are starting to adopt it in the workplace.

Industries worldwide are incorporating AI-powered solutions into their workflow to boost productivity, streamline processes and operations, and gain a competitive advantage. According to McKinsey’s Global Survey on AI, AI adoption has more than doubled. In 2017, one-fifth of respondents reported adopting AI in at least one business area, whereas today, that figure stands at one-half. But this rapid integration has created the need to address AI-related skills gaps.

As AI-driven technologies become more prevalent, individuals with expertise in AI development, data analysis and machine learning are indispensable. At the same time, many employees struggle to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape and experience stress, low job satisfaction, and reduced productivity. In fact, 56% of human resources (HR) managers agree that AI-driven urgency to develop new skills is increasing employee stress, according to TalentLMS research.

However, this situation isn’t as intimidating as it looks. It’s an amazing opportunity for skills refocus. To bridge this gap, companies should invest in comprehensive upskilling and reskilling programs to empower their employees to harness the full potential of AI. Plus, ensure a smooth transition to an AI-driven future.

Essential Skills for Success in the AI Future

Even if the newest AI tools, like ChatGPT, Chinchilla and Bloom are more intuitive and user-friendly compared to the past, 49% of US employees claim they need training on using AI tools to leverage their fullest potential.

TalentLMS’ research explored four skill clusters:

• Digital.
• Interpersonal.
• Cognitive.
• Self-management skills.

Based on these findings, it’s necessary to examine the most crucial, top-rated skills from each category so that organizations can better focus their training on AI tools efforts. Using AI tools, adaptability and agility, active listening and problem-solving will be the most in-demand skills in the age of AI, according to the HR managers surveyed.

1.   Digital skills: using AI tools.

In the survey, 65% of surveyed HR managers said digital skills are essential in the emerging AI and automation-driven workspace. Proficiency in using AI tools ranks highest among other digital skills. Employees should know a diverse range of applications, such as:

• Navigating AI-powered systems.
• Being familiar with AI
• Using transformative, generative AI technologies.

Mastering AI tools can help unlock vast potential and enhance productivity and efficiency, innovation, better decision-making processes and more.

2.   Interpersonal skills: active listening.

In today’s world of work, people are constantly surrounded by chatter, reactions and streams of words and opinions — whether this is online or offline. According to Training Industry, active listening is when the listener gives the speaker their undivided attention and demonstrates verbally and/or nonverbally that they’re listening attentively. Practicing active listening and other interpersonal skills can help maintain a human-centered workplace in an AI-driven future.

3.   Cognitive skills: problem-solving.

Every advancement that moves people forward also comes with its own setbacks. AI is no different — offering benefits alongside obstacles. With technology rapidly evolving, complex situations and challenges arise in the workplace, making problem solvers highly valued. These employees can find solutions and simplify overwhelming situations skillfully and effectively.

4.   Self-management skills: adaptability and agility.

Throughout the history of humankind, survival and prosperity have depended on the capacity to adapt to different situations. This ability to adjust to an ever-changing environment has been vital and holds significance today in a high-tech civilization. Not surprisingly, the skills of adaptation and agility ranked at the top of the list of essential self-management skills.

Measuring and Overcoming Skills Gaps

The first step in addressing the AI skills gap and offering meaningful training to employees is to assess the current situation. With the most crucial skills for success in the AI future at hand, organizations must create a skills assessment framework first.

A skills assessment framework that effectively evaluates the skills and knowledge of individuals involves the following steps:

• Identify objectives and skills to assess.
• Define competencies.
• Establish levels of proficiency (e.g., beginner to expert).
• Develop assessment methods (tests, interviews, surveys).
• Set clear assessment criteria.
• Choose assessment tools (questionnaires, performance evaluation forms).
• Implement the framework and collect data.
• Analyze results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Provide feedback and personalized development plans.
• Review and update.

How to Overcome the AI Skills Gap

After collecting all the data from the skills assessment, it’s essential to explore how companies can overcome any prevalent skills gaps.

Can training help close the skills gap?

Training is the best way organizations can overcome the skills shortage. Learning and development (L&D) and HR professionals recognize the need to train employees on how to use AI for repetitive tasks so that they can focus on more meaningful aspects of their work. And according to the survey, 85% of HR managers understand planning some kind of L&D investment for training employees in AI is crucial.

Some of the L&D investments companies are planning to make for AI training include:

• Online courses (48%).
• Face-to-face training and live events (44%).
• Workshops and webinars (40%).
• Online training platforms for training employees on AI (35%).
• External training (34%).
• Company-sponsored scholarships (21%).

Targeted training and development opportunities can help bridge these skills gaps. Employees can build skills in an engaging and interactive way through workshops, eLearning, mentoring/coaching and/or on-the-job training.

Let’s explore some more initiatives for bridging AI skills gaps:

• Promote continuous learning: Organizations that encourage a culture of continuous learning and skills improvement offer the right resources and support for employees to pursue learning independently.
• Encourage knowledge sharing: Foster a multi-skilled workforce by investing in knowledge-sharing initiatives. Employees learn and develop skills by interacting with colleagues from other departments or teams, enhancing their versatility.
• Offer recognition: Recognizing employees’ efforts and active participation in upskilling initiatives can boost motivation and engagement levels. Committed, happy and valued employees are more likely to successfully close skills gaps and grow professionally.
• Embrace technology: In order to facilitate L&D initiatives for closing skills gaps, companies should use tools like a learning management system (LMS), AI-powered training tools and/or virtual simulations. Such tools can allow employees to engage in user-friendly and interactive environments that boost knowledge retention.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce

AI can be considered an opportunity for skills development and growth. In this era of AI advancement, a powerful and all-encompassing L&D strategy can be the key to embracing the future seamlessly. And it involves upskilling, reskilling and training initiatives across departments, empowering employees with the vital skills needed for successful AI integration. With this in mind, organizations can successfully prepare their teams for an AI-driven world.