A 2023 Pew Research study found that 62% of workers fear AI could replace their jobs. Meanwhile, LinkedIn reports a 21x surge in posts about “AI anxiety” since 2022. This isn’t just a skills gap—it’s a leadership challenge in understanding how AI will change the workforce.
Forward-thinking organisations aren’t just reskilling teams; they’re addressing the psychological toll of rapid change. How will AI change the workforce and create new dynamics in this context? Here’s how to navigate this without platitudes:
1. Replace Fear with Agency
An MIT study showed employees who experiment with AI tools feel 37% more secure about their roles. Leaders should:
- Provide sandbox environments for low-stakes AI experimentation.
- Spotlight internal case studies where AI augments (not replaces) jobs to illustrate how it will change the workforce.
2. Double Down on Human-Centric Skills
Goldman Sachs’ 2024 analysis predicts AI will impact 300 million jobs—but roles requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex problem-solving will grow. Prioritise:
- Upskilling in negotiation, stakeholder management, and adaptive thinking, as this is a key aspect of how AI will change the workforce.
- Cross-functional projects where human judgment is irreplaceable.
3. Redefine ‘Adaptability’
Walmart’s internal mobility program reduced AI-related attrition by 28% by framing shifts as “career evolution” not disruption. Tactics:
- Quarterly “skills mapping” sessions aligning AI trends with individual growth paths.
- Transparent roadmaps showing how AI integrates with (not dominates) workflows to further understand how AI will change the workforce.
4. Lead with Cognitive Empathy
A Stanford study found leaders who acknowledge AI anxiety see 43% higher team performance. Avoid toxic positivity. Instead:
- Host “no-judgment” forums for concerns about how AI will change the workforce.
- Share your own learning curves with emerging tech.
The Resilience Dividend
Teams that view AI as a collaborator rather than a threat outperform peers by 19% in innovation metrics (Deloitte, 2024). The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety—it’s to channel it into focused adaptability while considering how AI will change the workforce.
