Salesforce’s latest research elucidates a pivotal shift in workforce dynamics attributable to the rising influence of digital labour. This transformation is far from a fleeting trend; it is envisaged as a revolutionary business strategy that is reshaping organisational structures and operational methodologies. With an anticipated 450% surge in AI agent adoption over the next two years, and projected productivity increases of up to 37%, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are reimagining the skills and roles necessary for the evolving workplace.
This shift toward automation does not mean a total workforce upheaval; rather, HR leaders anticipate redeploying 21% of their current workforce to focus on more relevant roles. A remarkable 83% of HR leaders across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region either are implementing or planning to implement reskilling programmes, emphasising the growing significance of such initiatives in a labour market increasingly dictated by AI.
During a recent panel discussion at the Agentforce World Tour in Singapore, Mushi Luke, Chief Intelligence Officer at HEPMIL Media Group, articulated the profound implications of AI in the region’s burgeoning creator economy. He noted that AI’s capability to manage complex, time-consuming administrative tasks could provide operational efficiencies that are currently unattainable. “AI can drive the most impact in processes that are humanly impossible to solve; at scale, at high availability, 24/7,” he explained, underscoring the necessity for businesses to adapt to this changing landscape.
Nicholas Lee, chair of SGTech, also highlighted the urgency for proactive upskilling to harness the full potential of Agentic AI. “The rapid rise of Agentic AI offers a powerful opportunity to address our labour constraints and boost productivity,” he stated. Lee emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure workforce adaptability and maintain global competitiveness.
The research indicates a significant shift in the roles deemed vital for the future workforce. Approximately 80% of CHROs believe that interaction with AI will elevate the importance of soft skills, such as relationship-building and creative thinking. In this new agentic economy, employees with these proficiencies will be much more valued, while traditional roles in customer service and operations may see a shrinkage.
Despite the clear potential benefits of integrating AI into organisational workflows, many HR leaders find themselves at the early planning stages. Only 10% report having fully implemented agentic AI, with 41% of employees remaining unaware of how these technologies will reshape their work roles.
Interestingly, the findings also shed light on emerging opportunities for early-career employees. With organisational hierarchies set to evolve, there will be a higher likelihood for less experienced workers to step into managerial roles, as companies adapt to a landscape where AI and humans operate in tandem.
The implications of this shift extend beyond individual companies; they reflect a broader trend towards a digitally integrated workforce that values learning and adaptability. In fact, 40% of hiring managers in APAC are prioritising candidates’ abilities to learn and grow, indicating a move towards valuing intrinsic potential over static experience. Skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking are now seen as invaluable in navigating the complexities introduced by AI technologies.
As the corporate world continues to adapt to the digital era, it’s clear that investing in skills development and leveraging the strengths of both humans and AI will be crucial to thriving in the future landscape of work.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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