The future of work is not just a distant concept; it’s rapidly unfolding before our eyes. At the Unleash World Conference in Paris, our Managing Director, Claire Harrison attended a presentation by futurist Amy Webb, who took the stage to present a thought-provoking session on how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and advanced sensors, are poised to disrupt industries, reshape economies, and redefine work as we know it.
The Problem: Disruption in the Workforce
Webb opened her presentation with a reminder of how past technological revolutions, such as the steam engine, completely transformed industries and the workforce. Much like the Industrial Revolution, the technological advancements we are witnessing today are accelerating at an incredible pace, and businesses are struggling to keep up.
She further highlighted a critical issue: businesses that fail to plan for these technological shifts risk becoming obsolete. She highlighted the example of the coal mining industry in West Virginia, where a lack of foresight led to economic devastation as mines closed and thousands of jobs were lost. This serves as a cautionary tale for businesses today that fail to anticipate and adapt to changes in the workforce brought on by AI and other emerging technologies.
“The future always shows up,” Webb stated. “Whether or not we’re prepared for it is up to us.”
AI and the Future of Work
Webb described AI as one of the most significant general-purpose technologies of our time. But AI is not the only force that will reshape work; it will converge with biotechnology and advanced sensors to form what Webb termed “living intelligence.” This convergence will result in new ways of working, managing people, and understanding human potential.
For HR leaders, the challenge lies in preparing their workforce for roles that don’t yet exist and ensuring their employees are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Webb emphasised that businesses must be proactive, not reactive, in their approach to workforce transformation.
“Reskilling your employees isn’t about throwing away their existing talents,” Webb explained, referencing the misguided efforts to retrain coal miners as software coders. “It’s about adapting their skills to new contexts, making sure the workforce is aligned with the future needs of the industry.”
What Businesses and Employers Must Do
The central problem businesses face is not merely keeping up with new technologies, but understanding how to integrate them into their operations in a way that enhances productivity and innovation. AI, biotechnology, and advanced sensors will all require new frameworks, new policies, and new ways of thinking about employee development.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Businesses need to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. AI is evolving fast, and roles that exist today may be transformed or even obsolete in a matter of years. By encouraging lifelong learning and offering training in AI, data literacy, and emerging technologies, businesses can help their workforce stay relevant.
- Focus on Strategic Workforce Planning: AI can help businesses predict future workforce needs, from identifying which skills will be most valuable to determining the best paths for career progression. Predictive analytics will be a key tool in HR’s toolkit, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions about hiring, training, and succession planning.
- Ethical AI Practices: As AI becomes more embedded in HR processes, businesses must ensure they are using it ethically. Webb warned that AI systems can inherit human biases if not carefully monitored. It is crucial to implement AI governance frameworks that promote fairness and transparency in recruitment, performance evaluations, and other people-management functions.
- Redefining Workspaces: Advanced sensors and biotechnology are also set to transform the physical workspace. Webb shared examples of how new materials could create dynamic, adaptive work environments that respond to employees’ moods, enhance productivity, and improve well-being. Businesses should start thinking now about how to design future workspaces that accommodate these technologies.
- Preparing for “Living Intelligence”: The convergence of AI, biotechnology, and advanced sensors will lead to the rise of “living intelligence,” a new paradigm that will shape how we interact with technology. Businesses must be prepared to integrate these technologies into their operations and create strategies that leverage the strengths of both human workers and AI systems.
Claire Harrison’s Top 5 Take-outs for Businesses on the Future of Work
Following the presentation, Claire highlighted her five key takeaways that businesses should implement to prepare for the future of work:
- Plan for the Long-Term: Don’t focus solely on short-term results. Invest in future-proofing your workforce and operations by anticipating the long-term impact of AI and emerging technologies.
- Upskill, Don’t Reskill: Rather than completely retraining your employees, build on their existing skills and adapt them to new technological contexts. This will create a smoother transition for your workforce.
- Create Ethical AI Frameworks: Ensure that your AI systems are transparent and fair, with regular audits to avoid bias. Ethical AI is crucial for maintaining trust within your organisation.
- Adopt Flexible Work Models: The future of work will demand flexibility. Be open to hybrid work models, dynamic workspaces, and new ways of collaborating across digital platforms.
- Foster Innovation and Curiosity: Encourage your teams to ask “what if” questions. This mindset can help your business stay agile and open to new possibilities, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.
The Future is Coming – Are You Ready?
Amy Webb’s presentation at Unleash World served as a wake-up call to businesses that may be too focused on maintaining the status quo. The future of work is being shaped by AI, biotechnology, and advanced sensors, and businesses must adapt if they want to thrive. The key takeaway from Webb’s talk was clear: the future is uncertain, but businesses that embrace change, invest in their people, and leverage emerging technologies will be better positioned to navigate the challenges ahead.
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Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
