Tasks vs. Skills: Stories In AI-Based Job Transformation
Mar 14, 2025
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Discover how AI is reshaping job roles and productivity in organizations. The discussion highlights a shift from skills-based strategies to a more task-oriented design, addressing the challenges of job title proliferation. The impact of automation on HR practices and the controversial nature of layoffs in tech are explored. Tactics for enhancing productivity through task analysis and reskilling are emphasized, along with the importance of a cohesive workplace culture during times of transition.
Organizations are shifting from skills-based strategies to task and activities-focused approaches, enhancing productivity and resource allocation.
Investing in upskilling and reskilling existing talent is a healthier alternative to layoffs, fostering a resilient workforce and company culture.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Task-Based Organizational Strategies
There is a noticeable shift from skills-based organizational strategies to task and activities-based approaches in various industries. Companies are reassessing their job architectures, which often consist of numerous overlapping job titles, to identify areas for productivity improvement. New tools like Gloat's Mosaic and Rejig offer innovative solutions by decomposing roles into specific tasks and responsibilities, making it easier to allocate resources efficiently. By leveraging AI to crowdsource data on activities and tasks, organizations can strategically redesign their workforce for better productivity outcomes.
Cautious Approach to Layoffs
Layoffs have commonly been viewed as a method to enhance productivity, but this approach often disrupts company culture and diminishes morale. While companies like Salesforce are making workforce reductions with claims of increased efficiency, history shows that broad-based layoffs can lead to loss of expertise and damage to the company's reputation. A healthier strategy focuses on investing in existing talent through upskilling and reskilling rather than solely relying on headcount reductions. Emphasizing talent density can create a more resilient workforce capable of navigating productivity challenges.
Utilizing AI for Job and Task Analysis
The emergence of AI tools is transforming how HR teams conduct job and task analysis, enabling them to gather data on roles with unprecedented accuracy. By utilizing platforms like Drop and Gloat, HR can identify and streamline task requirements across job titles, thus enhancing efficiency in workflow. With the ability to analyze tasks dynamically, organizations can better understand the necessities of specific roles and harness existing skill sets to optimize staffing. This task-focused analysis not only reduces redundancy but also aligns workforce capabilities with strategic business objectives to drive overall growth.
Everyone is talking about productivity, layoffs, and job redesign. In this week’s podcast I share much of what we’re learning in AI-based job design, all with a focus on productivity.
I discuss the role of Reejig, Gloat, Draup and the shift from “skills-based organization” strategies to “task and activity” redesign. And I also share my experiences with the “chainsaw” model of layoffs.