Sagar Goel, a leader in digital reskilling and leadership development at BCG, discusses the imminent changes AI will bring to the workforce. He emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between governments, corporations, and individuals to prepare employees for a transformed job landscape. Sagar highlights innovative examples like IKEA's approach to employee reskilling. He also advocates for dynamic learning strategies and continuous personal development, urging leaders to prioritize upskilling in a rapidly evolving digital age.
The rapid evolution of AI demands immediate reskilling efforts, as traditional skills' half-life is just five years and affects one in three jobs.
Successful reskilling initiatives, like IKEA's transformation of customer service roles, demonstrate the potential for companies to thrive by investing in employee development.
Deep dives
The Urgent Need for Reskilling
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly AI, is creating a significant demand for workforce reskilling, as traditional skills become obsolete at an alarming rate. Currently, the half-life of skills is approximately five years, meaning that half of the skills workers possess will become outdated within that period. This situation affects one in three workers globally, highlighting the necessity for individuals to undergo reskilling in order to transition to new or evolved job roles. Companies and governments must collaborate to ensure these workers receive the training needed to adapt within this rapidly changing job landscape.
Successful Examples of Reskilling in Action
A notable example of effective reskilling occurred when IKEA implemented an AI-powered customer service bot, resulting in the re-skilling of 8,500 customer service representatives into interior design consultants. This strategic approach not only safeguarded jobs but also generated $1.4 billion in additional revenue within a year. Such examples illustrate the potential for companies to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a skilled workforce. These initiatives demonstrate that investing in employee development can yield significant returns for both the organization and its workforce.
The Role of Continuous Learning in an AI-Driven World
As the job market evolves, workers must embrace continuous learning, focusing on timeless skills like analytical thinking, collaboration, and self-awareness. It's essential for individuals to prioritize self-directed learning within their schedules, leveraging resources such as podcasts and online courses to maintain their relevance in the workforce. Leaders and organizations bear the responsibility of fostering an environment that encourages ongoing education while aligning workforce training with strategic business objectives. Ultimately, individuals must take initiative and invest time in their personal development to thrive amidst the impending changes brought about by AI technologies.
One in every three people will likely find their jobs significantly disrupted by AI in the next decade. Sagar Goel, leader of BCG’s work in digital reskilling and leadership development, talks about the role of the public and private sectors in preparing employees for this exciting, uncertain, and sometimes frightening world.