Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a much sought-after platform in workplaces across industries worldwide. Studies reveal that as of January 2024, AI use in the workplace accelerated 24% compared to the previous quarter. About 80% of surveyed professionals also claimed to have improved their productivity by using AI tools.
As the top IT park in Kerala, Technopark acknowledges the significance of AI and believes that it has the potential to take on low-value and repetitive tasks, empowering professionals to make meaningful contributions to their core roles at work. Any forward-thinking organisation is justified to integrate AI into their workforce as it enables them to stay competitive, drive innovation, and optimize operations in an increasingly digital world.
However, the fear that AI’s accelerated rise has generated among professionals is valid and must be addressed.
The Impact of AI on the Workforce
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, machines will handle more than half of all current workplace tasks, up from 29% in 2018.
Industries across the world are truly transforming due to the rapid evolution of AI – the same report suggests that 97 million new roles could emerge, many of which are directly linked to the integration of AI.
Undoubtedly, new opportunities are being created as businesses integrate AI into their operations. This calls for the workforce to evolve alongside the new technologies because as AI creates new opportunities, it will disrupt traditional job roles.
This is why upskilling is essential to ensure that employees remain relevant, competitive, and capable of thriving in this new era.
Why Upskilling is Crucial
AI is streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enabling more informed decision-making. But this shift is also bringing with it concerns over job displacement. The need of the hour is for professionals to adapt to new roles that require a blend of human creativity and AI capabilities.
Hence, upskilling is the only way in. Let’s take a look at how upskilling helps:
- Bridges the skill gap: As the gap between professionals' existing skills and the skills they need widens, upskilling steps in to equip them with the knowledge and abilities required to work alongside AI technologies effectively.
- Strengthens job security: Employees committed to upskilling can secure their roles within organisations and transition into positions created by AI.
- Supports a culture of learning: Change is the only constant. Upskilling abides by this principle, encouraging employees to continuously learn, apply new skills, and stay relevant.
- Fosters innovation: Upskilled professionals are ready to take on fresh challenges and develop new products, services, and solutions, driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge for their organisations.
Areas for AI Upskilling
Here are some suggested areas professionals can focus on to develop their skills:
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Data Literacy: Knowing how to work with data is a valuable skill for most professionals. How to interpret and utilize data, recognizing patterns, and drawing insights from data are some ways employees can function in an AI-driven environment.
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Machine Learning: In an age where machines work with data, professionals who are skilled at ML algorithms and applications will find more takers.
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Programming and Coding: Having a basic understanding of programming languages that are commonly used in AI development can be a valuable asset.
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AI Collaboration: Using AI to augment human capabilities and enhance productivity and creativity can be highly beneficial. For example, using Generative AI to develop content or visuals.
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AI Ethics: Equipping professionals to use AI ethically and free of bias or privacy issues can be useful in preventing complex problems that arise out of the unregulated use of AI.
Strategies for Effective Upskilling: Tips by India’s First and Largest Technology Park
If you’re wondering how to incorporate upskilling into day-to-day work life – long-drawn training programs may not always work out – Technopark, the largest IT park in Kerala and India, has some ideas for you:
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Create personalized learning paths: Identify individual employees’ strengths, weaknesses, and the most effective ways for them to acquire new skills. Using this info, create personalized learning paths for them.
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Facilitate microlearning: Rome was not built in a day! Break down complex topics into bite-sized modules that simplify learning without overwhelming busy professionals.
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Provide on-the-job training: When employees find the opportunity to apply their newly acquired learning in real-world scenarios, their skills get reinforced and quickly absorbed. Hence, ensure that you provide practical, hands-on experience to build confidence.
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Offer mentorship programs: Provide the opportunity for less experienced employees to work with AI-savvy mentors to accelerate learning and retain valuable insights.
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Collaborate with educational institutions: Partner with universities, online platforms, or tech boot camps so that employees can access the latest AI courses and certifications.
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Encourage participation in events: Enable professionals on their learning pathways to attend relevant events and community programs to gather insider info.
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Reduce workload: In the end, when professionals are learning new skills, they need time off from work to practice and get better. Facilitate the time by reducing workload to maximize their success.
Establish Your Business at Technopark
Technopark is the leading IT park in India for many reasons. We facilitate a nurturing ecosystem for organisations, both big and small, fledgling and thriving, at our world-class campuses across Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Our superlative infrastructure, advanced technical prowess, and inclusive work culture make for a remarkable work environment for Indian and global companies.
In the era of AI, we believe that the future of work will be reshaped like never before. And the organisations within Technopark are already gearing up! We encourage companies across the globe to invest in AI-related skills so that employees can secure their futures while contributing to their respective organisations and communities.
Want to discuss more possibilities of AI in the workplace? Drop us a message.