According to the World Economic Forum, collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence could generate up to $15.7 trillion in economic value by 2030. However, achieving this potential in the workforce will depend on tapping into the strengths and skills of both people and technology.

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A new report from Workday, Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution, highlights a compelling connection between the so-called “soft” skills of people and the business value of tech in the era of AI. The report surveyed 2,500 full-time workers from 22 countries in late 2024. Among the participants, 25% were HR professionals, and 41% were company leaders.

According to the report, 83% of respondents agree that the growing use of AI will make human skills more vital. They were then asked to imagine a future of full AI adoption in their departments and to identify the most valuable human skills that would still be essential in their workplaces.

The 4 essential human skills

According to the authors of the Workday report, as AI automates repetitive tasks, uniquely human abilities are becoming increasingly important. The data spotlight the top four human-centric skills that remain critical alongside the rise of AI: ethical decision-making and moral judgment, emotional intelligence and empathy, human networking and relationship building, and conflict resolution.

However, the study highlights a disconnect between employees and organizational leaders regarding the growing need for human connection in the age of AI. The research found that 82% of employees believe human connection—fostered through essential human skills and attributes—is necessary as AI use grows, compared to only 65% of managers who agree.

This is one of the “starkest disconnects between workers and managers” Workday researchers discovered from the study, and they say it presents a “huge opportunity” for leadership to offer employees the connection they need.

HR leaders and their teams are in a position to play a critical role in providing connections during AI transformation efforts. Charlene Li, a renowned expert in leadership and innovation, advises HR professionals to lead AI transformation efforts by reassuring stakeholders, providing AI education and demonstrating the strategic value of these technologies. “Leaders will become ethical stewards, ensuring AI aligns with our purpose, values and long-term goals,” writes Li. “Remember: AI is a tool. How we choose to use it is where leadership matters.”

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