Gen Z’s Work Approach A Lesson for Millennials and Boomers or a Risk of Becoming Change’s Roadblock, Warns Labor Skills Expert

Generation Z's Impact on the Workplace Insights from a Labor Skills Expert for Millennials and Boomers to Consider

That is according to Michael Howells, president of the Workforce Skills division at education and publishing company Pearson. Speaking on a panel at ANBLE’s Global Forum in Abu Dhabi this week—hosted by global freelance network Toptal—Howells said introducing new technologies like AI might be disconcerting for people who have spent decades committed to a certain way of working. For GenZ however—who have grown up with a carousel of new software, hardware, apps, and social media—speedy evolution has become part of normal life. Howell said he and the rest of the panel—which included Toptal’s Taso Du Val, Honeywell’s Anant Maheshwari and ServiceNow’s Cathy Mauzaize—previously discussed “how different people at different points in their careers” react to change.

GenZ’s Immersion in the Ever-changing World

Imagine being thrust into a world where everything is in a constant state of flux, like a rollercoaster ride without a moment to catch your breath. Well, that’s everyday life for the GenZers. They embrace change with open arms and are always ready to ride the wave of innovation. Michael Howells, president of Pearson’s Workforce Skills division, affirms that GenZ knows the key to staying ahead in this whirlwind of change is to fully immerse themselves, consuming data like it’s their favorite snack and taking advantage of every technological offering around.

But what about those who have spent decades honing their skills, committed to a certain way of working? Well, introducing them to new technologies like AI might be akin to taking away their favorite pizza toppings. Disconcerting, to say the least. Howells, alongside other esteemed panelists like Taso Du Val from Toptal, Anant Maheshwari from Honeywell, and Cathy Mauzaize from ServiceNow, delved into how different individuals react to change depending on their career stage.

The New Demand for AI Skills

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Picture this: a hunt for the elusive unicorn. No, not the mythical creature, but a talented individual with the rare and sought-after skills in AI. A recent study by Amazon Web Services (AWS) reveals that a staggering three out of four companies in the US are struggling to find the AI talent they desperately need. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack, but instead, you’re willing to pay more for that shiny needle. In the IT industry, employers are ready to dig deep into their pockets, offering a whopping 47% higher salary for workers with AI skills. And this isn’t just limited to IT. Bosses across various sectors are willing to pay top dollar for those AI-savvy employees in sales and marketing, finance, business operations, legal, regulatory, compliance, and even HR. It’s an AI-fueled bidding war!

GenZ: The Inspirational Trailblazers

Imagine you’ve spent two decades of your life dedicated to a particular domain—your expertise has become your identity. Suddenly, change comes roaring like a hurricane, threatening the very foundation of your knowledge. It’s like being Captain Ahab on a sinking ship. Michael Howells suggests that instead of clinging to the old ways, those with more experience and authority should look to the GenZ generation for inspiration. Much like a wise owl observing the vibrant frenzy of a squirrel, older employees can seek inspiration from the adaptable nature of GenZ. After all, being an impediment to change could make you the real-life Grinch who stole innovation.

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

With all this talk of AI revolutionizing the workforce, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. Will robots take over the world? Will we become slaves to machines? Rest assured, dear reader, for the top skills that employees need are uniquely human. Communication, collaboration, leadership, cultural and social intelligence, and personal learning and mastery top the charts, both today and in the future. These skills are the secret sauce that no AI can replicate. In a world that’s increasingly digitized, it’s comforting to know that human skills are more critical than ever.

But let’s not forget, AI is not the enemy—it’s more like a trusty tool in our arsenal. Nada R. Sanders and John D. Wood, in a report published by the Harvard Business Review, emphasize the importance of human skills. AI lacks something special that humans possess: context. Our ability to understand the intricacies of a situation, to read between the lines, that’s what sets us apart. So don’t fret, humans are still the centerpiece of this grand technological dance. With enhanced human literacies, a well-thought-out business model, and seamless integration of humans with their AI co-pilots, we can triumph over the challenges that lie ahead.

Now, dear reader, what are your thoughts on this AI revolution? Are you ready to embrace the rollercoaster ride of change, or are you holding on tightly to the old ways? Let’s embark on this thrilling journey together, sharing our fears, hopes, and puns along the way.