Embracing human skills in the AI era

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape how organizations function, streamlining workflows, transforming communication, and influencing hiring practices. This raises an important question: what becomes of the skills that make us uniquely human, and how will their role evolve in tomorrow's workplace?

In this article we explore why human skills, once labelled “soft skills,” are now indispensable. These capabilities not only complement AI but also fuel innovation, adaptability, and sustainable success in today’s dynamic work environment.

LinkedIn data reveals a surge in professionals adding AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to their profiles. Nontechnical workers are also engaging more, with AI course participation up by 160 percent. Job posts mentioning AI are attracting 17 percent more applicants.

One thing is clear: while technical AI skills are in high demand, they’re not enough on their own. Human skills are emerging as the true differentiators of a future-ready workforce.

What are human skills?

At Hays, we prefer the term “human skills” over “soft skills” to reflect their growing importance. Shane Little, Managing Director, Enterprise Solutions (APAC), explains:

“Calling them ‘soft’ undermines their value. In truth, these skills are anything but soft – they’re essential.”

Tina Millis, Global Partnerships and Head of Service Delivery at Hays adds:

“Human skills are now frequently indicated as the differentiators for our clients.”

Essential human skills for the modern workplace?

To remain competitive, organizations should prioritize candidates who demonstrate:

• A willingness to learn and adapt
• Strong communication skills
• Flexibility in the face of change
• Effective leadership and people management

According to the  2025 Hays Global Report, 85% of organizations report gaps in key human skills. The most common include:

1. Critical thinking and problem solving (50%) 
2. Leadership and management (46%) 
3. Communication (41%)

Adopting AI alone won’t drive innovation. It takes human insight to identify bottlenecks, seize opportunities, and apply technology strategically.

Susan John, Global Learning and Development Lead, IBM highlights another important reason for putting human skills to the top of your search. She states:

“When we discuss human skills, it’s also important to talk about how we interact with AI. Especially Generative AI, because it’s like teaching another human. We want to treat AI with respect, just like we treat human beings with respect. We don’t want it to learn bad practices and bad verbiage from us. That is something we consciously need to keep in mind.”

How to maximize the potential of humans and AI?

Design roles that complement AI

Take advantage of technology advancements in the work environment. Let AI handle repetitive tasks so employees can focus on strategic thinking and creativity. As Susan John notes:

“When we use AI, we can really drive productivity. There are assistants and agents that we can use to help us with everyday tasks, like formulating an e-mail or summarizing notes.”

But as we embrace AI, it is crucial not to lose sight of the human strengths that set us apart. We must continue honing our ability to interpret and validate data, apply creative and strategic thinking, and produce work that reflects our unique perspectives and lived experiences.

As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, leadership must also evolve. Managing a team empowered by technology requires more than technical oversight. It demands a new combination of interpersonal and operational skills, including empathy, adaptability, and the ability to guide strategic thinking. The question is no longer whether leadership should change, but how we redefine it in a world where collaboration between humans and machines is the new standard.

Build a team that’s ready for the future

The rapid pace of advancements in AI and machine learning is transforming job roles faster than education systems can keep up. As a result, there’s a growing disconnect between what traditional education provides and the evolving skills employers need in today’s workforce. This shift is evident, with 88% of tech companies using skills-based hiring to recruit new talent.

Use AI to enhance learning and development

AI is also transforming how we learn, a point Susan John strongly supports. She emphasizes that AI can play a key role in helping the workforce grow and adapt in a rapidly changing environment. She explains:

“There are thousands of different self-taught, or classroom training modules listed online. AI can even craft you a learning plan based on the weaknesses you’d like to target. It’s kind of like Netflix recommending things to you!

Beyond individual learning, AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for talent development teams. It enables organizations to not only recommend personalized learning paths but also anticipate future needs by answering questions like:

1. What skills will we need in the future?
2. What are the excess skills that we will have?
3. How will we address those gaps in our current workforce?

She then concludes:

“We’ll then be able to upskill our talent to pick up multiple skills to enable them to adapt.”

How can organizations harness the power of humans and AI?

AI literacy is quickly becoming a foundational skill for everyone, no matter their industry or level of seniority. These capabilities are essential for keeping pace with ongoing technological change. Yet, while understanding AI is important, the real value of these tools is unlocked through human insight.

As Shane Little puts it, “Collaboration, communication and critical thinking aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re the foundation of innovation. If we don’t prioritize them, we’ll very soon find ourselves in a workforce that’s technically competent but fundamentally fractured”.

By investing in and building a team with strong human skills, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any changes and challenges. A team with strong human skills can work together to create innovative strategies and solutions. AI tools simply allow them the time and space they need to focus on this uniquely human work (for now, at least).

Want to take the next step in your digital transformation? download our Future of Work Report.