Future of work

The landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) has changed from being merely a tool to becoming a pivotal force reshaping the dynamics of modern work environments. Forecasts indicate a shift in patterns where employees will assume novel roles, collaborating seamlessly with AI-infused systems and procedures.

This collaboration among teams is set to introduce novel work methodologies and expedite groundbreaking innovations.

The evolving scenario places a fresh set of challenges on the shoulders of business leaders. Effectively harnessing the transformative potential of AI demands proactive leadership to guide teams through this revolution. Leaders must undertake the crucial task of preparing employees and teams for the impending changes while sustaining their motivation throughout this journey towards the future of work.

The future of work report (PDF, 1.6MB), prepared by our People and Change team, explores the perceptions of employees on the future of work amid post-pandemic recovery, fast AI advancements, unstable geopolitical instability, and a looming global recession. It provides leaders the insights they need to begin to understand where their people are in their transformation journey today.

Future of work

Shaping the workforce of the future with AI. KPMG. Make the Difference.

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Based on more than 4,000 employees from a cross-section of generations in the workplace, this KPMG-led research report delves into the minds of employees to understand how they feel about advanced technologies today and their confidence in their organisations’ plans for a future with AI.

The analysis looks at primary and secondary data, as well as specialist opinions from leading professionals in Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the US across various industries such as consumer/retail, government, healthcare and life sciences, financial services, technology.

There has never been a better time to be in the people and HR world because some of the biggest challenges facing organisations right now are human challenges.

Conor McCarthy

Partner, Head of People and Change

KPMG in Ireland

Findings from the KPMG-led research on the future of work include:

54%

The research shows workers lack awareness of, and confidence in, their firms’ technology strategies. Despite the race to embrace AI, little more than half of respondents (54 percent) said their employer has adopted new technologies over the past three years.

66%

Sixty-six percent of employees expect technology to enhance their productivity over the next three years. More than a third say new technology will automate as much as 30 percent of their job; a quarter think it could automate up to half of their job.

2/5

Almost two in five workers feel that productivity improvements are outweighed by the effect on their wellbeing and mental health. A fifth believe technology has impaired their productivity.

36%

Thirty-six percent say their organisation is unclear on how its workforce must change to meet future business and customer needs based on the company’s current data and technology stack.

62%

Sixty-two percent say a company’s investment in upskilling influences their decision to join, leave or stay with an organisation whereas only 56% say their organisation is proactively investing in reskilling and upskilling.

How can leaders harness the combined potential of AI and their workforce?

Embrace the power of AI

Leaders should experiment with generative AI to make the most of it within their organisations. They should also equip their workforce with the right tools that can enhance their work today, while offering the development opportunities to prepare for the future.

Shape the workforce of the future

In an AI-first world, organisations should expect to adopt an AI-first mindset. They should enhance the workforce mix, balancing the ‘buying’ new skills with upskilling existing employees.

Learn in the flow of work

With the pace of technological change, businesses, and employees should adjust to living in a constant state of learning. Upskilling will likely be continual to stay in line with technological advances.

Lead from the middle

People leaders should turbocharge the organisation as it pursues the future of work. A conduit between senior leadership and employees, middle managers can help translate technology strategies into action and outcomes on their teams, if they are equipped and skilled to do so.

Unleash the potential of your people

With no fixed end-state to aim for, business leaders should carefully plan AI transformation for their organisations by intentionally considering how they can effectively lead their people along the journey to the future of work.

Ready to help unleash the potential of your people as you bring AI to your organisation? This blueprint can help you steer your organisation toward the future of work.