“in any moment of a big transformational change,you’re dealing with people.”
While much discussion around AI’s impact on the news industry has focused on the various AI tools available, Jane Barrett argues that not enough attention has been paid to the people living through this transformative moment.
This includes the crucial need to help them navigate how the technology is transforming their jobs – whether they like it or not.
“We all have our own feelings about it.Some of us are early adopters and we’re realy keen on AI,” she said, speaking at our Paris AI Forum.
“but some of us have in our guts a real distaste for AI, thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, here’s another thing that’s going to eat our breakfast, lunch and dinner, we’re all going to be out of jobs.’ “
As Head of AI Strategy at Reuters, Barrett is helping the global news organisation’s staff to adapt to seismic shifts that are transforming the industry and many of their jobs.
With a workforce of 3,500 people (2,500 in the newsroom and 1,000 in commercial, product and engineering), a wide variety of attitudes and levels of expertise regarding AI are bound to exist within the organisation.
“There is simply no one-size-fits-all approach you can take to rethinking operations. Those people need lots of different things,” Barrett said.
For leaders, this means that they need to be tuned into the whole range of mindsets and skills in their organisations – but also “to give the hard message that AI is here, and it’s for everyone.”
“This is no longer something that is done in a little team. AI is now across the piece,” she said.
Mandating AI use and ‘baseline’ literacy
To ensure widespread AI adoption in the organisation, Reuters is setting specific and fairly strict goals for internal AI use: the aim is for everyone in the company to use AI on a regular basis by the end of 2025.
Specifically, staff are expected to use AI – either external tools or on Reuters’s own Open Arena habitat – 20 times a month. Barret can also monitor AI use via a dashboard.
“So this is now an edict. This is something everyone has to do,” she said.
That may sound drastic, but “you can’t change something if you can’t measure it. So measuring people’s usage and then helping them to become literate is really critical,” she said.
“I’m still getting comments like, ‘ChatGPT doesn’t understand what a quote is.’ Or, ‘Claude made up this source
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Adapting to the Future of Work: Reskilling and Upskilling in the Age of AI
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the job market, leading to inevitable changes in roles and required skillsets. While some fear job displacement, experts emphasize the importance of proactive adaptation through reskilling and upskilling initiatives. The focus should be on empowering individuals to navigate this evolving landscape and thrive in the future workplace.
The Inevitable Shift: AI and Job Conversion
Change is a constant in the modern economy, but the pace of change driven by AI is unprecedented. AI is not simply automating routine tasks; it’s increasingly capable of handling complex cognitive functions, impacting a wider range of professions. This means that many existing jobs will be transformed, requiring workers to acquire new skills to remain relevant. A Brookings Institution report highlights that AI’s impact will vary considerably across occupations, with some facing higher risks of automation than others.
Understanding Reskilling vs. Upskilling
Ofen used interchangeably, reskilling and upskilling represent distinct approaches to workforce development:
- Reskilling: Learning entirely new skills to transition to a different role or industry. This is often necessary when a job is significantly impacted by automation.
- Upskilling: Enhancing existing skills to improve performance in a current role or prepare for increased responsibilities. This involves learning new technologies or techniques related to one’s field.
The Key to Success: Empowering Individuals Through Learning
Instead of resisting the changes brought about by AI, the most effective strategy is to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt. This involves a shift in mindset from fearing job loss to embracing lifelong learning. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 emphasizes the growing demand for skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, adaptability, and technological literacy.
Focus Areas for Reskilling and Upskilling
Several key areas are crucial for preparing the workforce for the AI-driven future:
- AI Literacy: Understanding the basics of AI, its capabilities, and its limitations.
- Data Analysis: The ability to interpret and analyze data is becoming increasingly valuable across industries.
- Cloud Computing: Many AI applications are cloud-based,making cloud computing skills essential.
- Cybersecurity: As AI systems become more prevalent, protecting them from cyber threats is paramount.
- Digital Marketing: Adapting marketing strategies to leverage AI-powered tools and data analytics.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: AI can automate tasks, but humans are still needed for complex problem-solving and critical analysis.
Initiatives and Resources for Workforce Development
Numerous organizations and governments are launching initiatives to support reskilling and upskilling efforts:
- Government Programs: Many countries are investing in workforce development programs focused on digital skills. For example, the U.S. government’s American Workforce Plan aims to expand access to skills training and apprenticeships.
- Online Learning platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses on AI, data science, and other in-demand skills.
- Corporate Training Programs: Companies are increasingly investing in training programs to upskill their employees and prepare them for the future.
- industry-Specific Certifications: Obtaining certifications in specific AI tools or technologies can demonstrate expertise and enhance career prospects.