The year 2030 is just around the corner. Establishing a workforce that is future-ready is more crucial than ever, especially with recent developments in technology that have rendered certain tasks and roles futile.
According to a McKinsey study, up to 800 million jobs would have been displaced by sophisticated AI technology. What does this mean for a third of our projected workforce who will be affected by this dynamic shift? Will they become victims of an AI takeover, or can they be equipped with in-demand skills that can help them thrive in an AI-dominated job market.
What the statistics say
While organisations are grappling with the urgent need for workforce transformation, statistics reveal a significant skills gap among the current workforce. A recent Future of Work survey conducted in 2022 by Accenture revealed a startling discovery that only 26% of leaders have a future-ready strategy that is holistically focused on preparing their workforce to tackle the challenges of the future.
Based on various surveys and studies, leaders, especially C-Level executives, are especially worried that the current and future talent pipeline cannot measure up to handle the challenges of an AI-dominated job market. A 2024 finding by the World Economic Forum revealed that business owners fear that skills gaps in the local labour market may hold back the potential growth of their organisation.
According to the 2025 Global Talent Shortage by Manpower, 74% of companies globally are struggling to find skilled workers.
CEOs surveyed by PwC in a 2024 study also shared this notion with their current workforce, with 52% stating that a lack of skills in the company’s workforce contributes to one of the factors preventing the company from changing the way it creates, delivers, and captures value.
4 signs your workforce isn’t future-ready
#1 Resistance to change and new technologies
A workforce that is resistant to change and new technologies can be a strong indicator that your team may struggle to handle the future of work. Employees who are unwilling or unable to embrace digital tools and processes will struggle to adapt to the evolving demands of the job market.
This resistance can manifest in various ways, from reluctance to learn new software to outright opposition to implementing AI-driven solutions. As a leader of an organisation, you must foster a culture of continuous learning and encourage employees to embrace technological advancements.
#2 Skills gaps and a lack of upskilling
The growing skills gap is a significant barrier to digital workforce transformation. Employees who lack the requisite abilities to accomplish their jobs effectively will be increasingly excluded in an AI-dominated labour market. This is exacerbated by a lack of upskilling programmes.
Businesses must engage in development programmes that teach employees in-demand skills like data analysis, digital literacy, and AI competency.
#3 Siloed communication and lack of collaboration
In an increasingly interconnected world, siloed communication and a lack of collaboration can hinder innovation and productivity. Employees who are unable to effectively communicate and collaborate with their colleagues will struggle with the complex and dynamic nature of modern work.
To build a future-ready workforce, you should break down communication barriers and foster a culture of collaboration among your employees. You must also invest in tools and technologies that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.
#4 Lack of adaptability and agility
The ability to adapt to change and respond quickly to new challenges is crucial in an AI-driven job market. Employees who are rigid and resistant to change will struggle to thrive in this environment.
Leaders such as yourself should foster a culture of adaptability and agility. You must also empower your employees to take ownership of their work and make quick and rational decisions.
Take action now
As the leader or manager in an organisation, it is imperative that you take necessary steps to upskill and reskill your employees to address the skills gap among your employees and cultivate a digitally-ready workforce.
Stay tuned for an article where we will delve into practical strategies for transforming your workforce into a future-ready powerhouse.
