Study Finds That Uniquely Human Skills Are
More Vital Amid Increasing AI Adoption: Relationship Building,
Empathy, Conflict Resolution, and Ethical
Decision-Making
Disconnect Emerges Between Workers and
Leadership on the Need for Human Connection in the Age of
AI
PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan. 14,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Workday, Inc (NASDAQ:
WDAY) today published a new global research report "Elevating Human
Potential: The AI Skills Revolution," which looked at AI's impact
on jobs. The findings challenge the narrative that AI will replace
humans, revealing instead that AI will be a catalyst for a skills
revolution where uniquely human capabilities like empathy and
ethical decision-making become the most valuable assets at work.
This global shift is not just about embracing new technology, it's
about elevating human potential, fostering uniquely human skills,
and redefining what it means to thrive in the age of AI.
While the rapid evolution to AI-powered agents stands to have a
large impact on jobs, with many fearing it will lead to diminished
roles or even unemployment, this research points to a more
optimistic future.
- The most active users of AI are most optimistic about its
benefits, with a sentiment score of 4.23 out of 5, while those
planning to adopt AI within the next 12 months show the lowest
optimism with an average score of 3.89 out of 5.
- AI helps free up human capacity for more meaningful work, with
93% of active AI users in agreement that AI allows them to focus
more on higher-level responsibilities such as strategy and problem
solving.
- Although there are societal concerns about AI damaging trust,
90% of workers agree AI can play a significant role in increasing
transparency and accountability in organizations, with leaders
(92%) and employees (89%) closely aligned.
- Where employees and leaders disagree is on the growing need for
human connection in the age of AI. 82% of employees think it's
needed, while only 65% of managers agree.
- Uniquely human skills such as ethical decision-making, empathy,
relationship building, and conflict resolution are viewed as
critical for success in an AI-driven economy.
"The conversation around AI often focuses on fear and job loss,
but we see it as an incredible opportunity," said Jim Stratton, chief technology officer, Workday.
"By embracing AI for good, we can elevate what makes us uniquely
human – our creativity, our empathy, our ability to connect – and
build a workplace where these skills drive success. Our research
shows that workers are ready to embrace this possibility as
reality."
The Human Advantage in the Age of AI
According to the
research, 83% of respondents believe AI will both elevate the
importance of uniquely human skills and enhance human creativity,
leading to new forms of economic value. This signals a growing
positive sentiment around the adoption of AI in the workplace, with
earlier Workday-commissioned research on AI finding only 52% of
workers welcomed AI in their workplace at this time last
year.
Today, these findings underscore the critical need for uniquely
human skills like creativity, leadership, learning, trust, and
collaboration to thrive in an AI-powered world. This pivotal
moment, where we collectively recognize AI's transformative role in
the future of work and the enduring importance of uniquely human
skills, is leading to an AI-driven skills revolution that stands to
impact everyone in some capacity from factory workers to data
analysts.
"AI is driving us towards a future where we can harness our
innate human skills to connect, create, and innovate," said
Sadie Bell, VP of People Systems,
HPE. "This isn't just about efficiency and problem-solving; it's
about unlocking our potential to build a future that prioritizes
skills like empathy, ingenuity, and our shared humanity."
Of those actively utilizing AI, nearly all (93%) agree that AI
allows them to focus on higher-level responsibilities such as
strategy and problem-solving. What's more, active AI users
consistently have positive perceptions of its benefits, with 92% of
employees and 95% of leaders in agreement. These findings highlight
the transformative potential AI can have in the workplace by
helping to free up human capacity for meaningful and innovative
collaboration, which will unlock new ideas and opportunities for
businesses to adapt and grow in a rapidly shifting economy.
Where Uniquely Human Skills Reign Supreme
AI is
already reshaping the workplace. 81% of participants in the study
recognize that AI is changing the skills required for their jobs.
The top three uses of AI today include data analysis (51%),
fraud detection and security monitoring (43%), and HR
and recruiting (39%). And while some will need to develop new
skills in order to use AI at work, they'll also need to continue
cultivating uniquely human skills in order to succeed. In fact, the
data reveals a clear trend: human-centric skills are becoming
more vital in the face of increasing AI adoption.
"In 2025, AI will play an important role in unlocking
efficiencies in how People teams operate, but it won't replace the
essential human elements, like empathy, communication and
relationship building," said Jennie
Rogerson, global head of people, Canva.
The skills deemed least likely to be replaced by AI are also
considered the most valuable at work: ethical decision-making,
connection and relationship building, emotional intelligence and
empathy, and conflict resolution. Across multiple scenarios,
ethical decision-making consistently ranked the most valuable
human-centric skill, both today and in a future shaped by full AI
adoption.
The Disconnect on Human Connection: Leaders Must Act
A
stark disparity is emerging between employees and leaders regarding
the essential need for human connection in the workplace. While 82%
of individual contributors believe the craving for human
interaction will only intensify as AI usage increases, 65% of
managers share this view. This disconnect presents a critical
opportunity for leaders to actively prioritize fostering genuine
human connection and building strong relationships within their
teams.
When asked how AI adoption will impact leadership and management
priorities, respondents identified three key areas: enhancing
data-driven decision-making, prioritizing upskilling and learning
to use AI technology, and reallocating resources to more critical
areas as AI automates routine work. The equal weighting across
these responses underscores AI's potential to assist leaders in
each of these critical areas, freeing them to focus on cultivating
empathy and deeper connections within their teams.
Working Together to Build Trust
AI is
revolutionizing the workplace, with 90% of workers agreeing it can
enhance organizational transparency and accountability. However,
this success cannot be achieved without a joint commitment to
responsible AI. The data reveals there is a widespread expectation,
with 54% agreeing that the technology sector will lead efforts to
ensure transparency and accountability in AI integration. However,
the shared responsibility attributed to individual organizations
(12%) and governments (12%) reflects a broader sentiment that
gaining trust in AI requires collaboration across sectors.
Tech companies, organizations, and governments must work
together to ensure AI benefits everyone. This collaboration will
create a future where humans and AI partner to achieve more than
either could alone.
For additional information:
- Download the report: Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills
Revolution.
- Learn more about Workday's approach to responsible AI
here.
- Read about Workday Illuminate™ – the next generation of Workday
AI.
About the Report
This data comes from the global study
"Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution," a survey
commissioned by Workday and fielded by Hanover Research in November
and December 2024. The study
encompassed 2,500 full-time workers from a variety of industries
across 22 countries spanning North
America; Asia-Pacific
(APAC); and Europe, the
Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
About Workday
Workday is a leading enterprise
platform that helps organizations manage their most important
assets – their people and money. The Workday
platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate
people, supercharge work, and move their business forever forward.
Workday is used by more than 10,500 organizations around the world
and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than
60% of the Fortune 500. For more information about Workday, visit
workday.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains
forward-looking statements including, among other things,
statements regarding Workday's plans, beliefs, and expectations.
These forward-looking statements are based only on currently
available information and our current beliefs, expectations, and
assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the
future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties,
assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to
predict and many of which are outside of our control. If the risks
materialize, assumptions prove incorrect, or we experience
unexpected changes in circumstances, actual results could differ
materially from the results implied by these forward-looking
statements, and therefore you should not rely on any
forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to,
risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent report on Form 10-Q
or Form 10-K and other reports that we have filed and will file
with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to
vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does
not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements
after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in
this document, our website, or other press releases or public
statements that are not currently available are subject to change
at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at
all. Customers who purchase Workday services should make their
purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions
that are currently available.
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SOURCE Workday Inc.
