Automation and personnel: making employees fit for the future
In 2024, industrial automation is once again at the center of corporate strategies. The spread of AI and automation technologies is continuing to grow, with companies increasingly recognizing that technological advances depend on the skills of their employees. Studies show that although the use of automation in many sectors is slower than originally predicted, the need for new technical skills has risen sharply. Companies expect 42% of operational tasks to be automated by 2027, which represents a significant increase compared to the current 34%.
Reskilling and upskilling: the key to the future
The use of AI and automation requires not only technical specialists, but also a high degree of adaptability on the part of employees. According to a McKinsey study, 40% of companies see a significant gap in the skills required, particularly in the areas of AI, data analysis and critical thinking.
This skills gap is forcing companies to focus more on reskilling and upskilling their existing workforce. While reskilling opens up new skills for employees that qualify them for other tasks within the company, upskilling strengthens existing skills to promote career development in the current position.
A trend for 2024 shows that companies need to focus on internal development programs, especially in data-driven areas such as AI, machine learning and data analysis. According to the report from Data Monsters, many companies still have a lot of catching up to do.
Automation as a growth factor: new job profiles and challenges
While automation is changing or replacing existing roles, at the same time, it is creating new job profiles. In 2024, specialists in artificial intelligence, data security and sustainability will be in particularly high demand. Technological professions in particular will grow strongly in developed countries, driven by the increasing introduction of AI and automation technologies. In Germany, for example, traditional manufacturing roles are expected to decline, while technological professions will be on the rise.
At the same time, companies are recognizing the growing importance of soft skills, especially in management positions. In sectors such as healthcare, the need for social and emotional skills will grow, while basic manual and cognitive skills will increasingly be taken over by machines.
The role of AI in workplace design
Generative AI will play an increasingly important role in workplace design in 2024. However, companies that rely on AI need to ensure that their workforce not only understands the technology, but is also able to use it efficiently. Studies show that 57% of employees want training in the use of AI, but only a small proportion currently have access to these services. This highlights the need to close the gap that exists between highly qualified and less tech-savvy employees.
A future of continuous professional development
Automation and AI offer companies enormous opportunities, but require the workforce to adapt on a continuous basis. The integration of these technologies requires not only technical know-how, but also a culture of lifelong learning. To remain competitive, companies need to invest in their employees, offer targeted reskilling and upskilling programs, and at the same time pay attention to the social and emotional skills that are becoming increasingly important in an automated world.