business

Mind the Skills Gap: Communication

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Communication Skills Gap: LSE emphasizes developing communication skills, crucial for career success. Employers report that graduates lack essential communication abilities. Faculty and alumni suggest practice through societies, mock interviews, and board-style presentations. Workshops and networking events are offered to enhance interpersonal skills. Communication is framed as a “muscle,” needing constant enhancement for effective workplace engagement.

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/management/2026/01/27/mind-the-skills-gap-communication/

Louisiana Partners With Persona AI For Humanoid Robotics Pilot

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Louisiana has partnered with Persona AI to pilot humanoid robotics in heavy industry, specifically at SSE Steel’s fabrication facility. The initiative aims to gather data for humanoid systems working alongside skilled tradespeople, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernize the state’s industrial capabilities through innovative technologies, ultimately creating high-skill jobs and improving competitiveness in key sectors.

https://businessfacilities.com/louisiana-partners-with-persona-ai-for-humanoid-robotics-pilot/

Hyundai Motor Workers Should Upskill to Coexist With Robots: ILO Director

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ILO director advises Hyundai workers to upskill for coexistence with robots; union’s anti-robot stance deemed unrealistic. Emphasizes skilled workers needed to maintain robots despite fears of job loss. Calls for creating sustainable job cycles while supporting youth entrepreneurship.

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/business/companies/20260127/hyundai-motor-workers-should-adapt-to-coexist-with-robots-ilo-director

Frequent Use of AI in the Workplace Continued to Rise in Q4

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AI workplace use rose gradually in Q4 2025; daily use increased from 10% to 12%, with 26% using it frequently. Total users remained flat, with 49% never using AI. Adoption varies by industry and role; highest in tech and finance, lowest in retail and manufacturing. Leaders use AI more than others (69% vs. 40%). AI growth concentrated in remote-capable roles. Overall, leaders reported higher AI use than other employees, necessitating clear applications for effective integration.

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/701195/frequent-workplace-continued-rise.aspx

‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs’ the AI Mantra in Davos as Fears Take Back Seat

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Davos 2026 saw business leaders optimistic about AI creating new jobs despite fears of job losses and industry disruptions. Executives highlighted AI’s potential to improve productivity and efficiency, with some expressing concern that it might be used to justify layoffs. While tech giants viewed AI as a means for job growth in sectors like energy and infrastructure, union leaders warned of its threat to workers. Bill Gates emphasized the need for society to adapt to AI’s impact, suggesting solutions like taxing AI activities to assist displaced workers.

https://www.reuters.com/business/davos/jobs-jobs-jobs-ai-mantra-fears-take-back-seat-davos-2026-01-23/

Invest in the Workforce for the AI Age: a Blueprint for Scale, Skills and Responsible Growth

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Investing in workforce skills is crucial in the AI era for maximizing value creation. Successful transformation requires alignment of workforce, operating models, and governance to drive business outcomes. A new social contract for learning is essential, where organizations offer clear skills pathways and support continuous learning. Roles must evolve, emphasizing human judgment over repetitive tasks. Companies should adopt disciplined AI missions, focus on collaborative ecosystems, and ensure responsible AI deployment to foster trust and inclusivity. Leaders must integrate strategy with skills development to achieve sustainable growth and productivity.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/ai-roadmap-transforming/

Human Behaviour and Workforce Adoption Will Determine the Value From AI

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AI’s value hinges on human adoption and workforce readiness, not just technology. Organizations must shift to skills-based structures and continuous learning to boost productivity. Demographic challenges necessitate tech adoption, especially AI, to sustain economic growth. Work organization is evolving to focus on skills and flexibility, driven by automation and employee expectations for adaptability. Despite increased AI use, workforce confidence remains low, indicating that organizational readiness is key for maximizing outcomes. Continuous retooling and learning are critical in a volatile landscape. Ultimately, the synergy between human capabilities and AI defines future success.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/human-behaviour-workforce-adoption-value-derived-from-ai/

Robots Expected to Become ‘allies’ in Closing Labour Gaps

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Robots are increasingly seen as allies in workplaces, aiding in closing labor gaps and enhancing efficiency, as per the International Federation of Robotics. This shift is prompted by heightened demands for skilled labor and the desire to alleviate employee workloads. The global market for industrial robots is soaring, reflecting widespread adoption. However, concerns persist regarding potential job displacement. Successful integration of robotics hinges on collaboration between employers and employees.

https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/hr-technology/robots-expected-to-become-allies-in-closing-labour-gaps/561837

AI at Work: Insights From 20 Leading Technology Companies

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AI is transforming work, learning, and growth. Companies are adopting AI beyond pilot projects, embedding it into daily operations. A report from the World Economic Forum highlights progress and challenges in over 20 tech firms, noting that AI increases productivity but disrupts mid-level jobs more than entry-level roles. AI enhances efficiency and cultural engagement, but trust and governance are critical for scaling it. Upcoming initiatives aim to create equitable access to AI tools, improve skills, and provide job pathways. Collaborative action across sectors is essential for a prosperous and inclusive AI-driven future.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/ai-at-work-insights/

The Cybersecurity Paradox: Training the Next-gen Workforce

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Cybersecurity now centers on securing human-AI interactions as AI becomes integral to workplaces. Workforce Trust Management is essential to address vulnerabilities from AI adoption, which brings both benefits and threats. Four pillars of security—Reliability, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethical Alignment—are crucial. Organizations must foster employee AI literacy and develop rapid response protocols to safeguard against potential breaches, ensuring a strong cybersecurity foundation while embracing AI’s potential.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/cybersecurity-paradox-training-the-next-generation-workforce/

Forrester: Businesses Are ‘AI-washing’ Layoffs

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Forrester reports that AI may replace 6% of U.S. jobs over the next four years, with 10.4 million jobs at risk by 2030. Companies could misuse AI advancements to justify layoffs under financial pretenses. While fears of massive job losses persist, productivity improvements from AI have been minimal. Organizations should prioritize governance and see AI as a tool to enhance human work, not replace it.

https://www.channeldive.com/news/forrester-businesses-ai-washing-layoffs-job-loss/809417/

AI Has Changed “the System in Which Work Happens” so the Workplace “Operating Model Has to Change With It”: Bloor Research

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AI has transformed the workplace, requiring a new operating model according to Bloor Research. This model integrates human and digital labor, moving away from traditional human-only frameworks. Organizations must adapt design approaches to accommodate AI’s role and redesign workforce structures to enhance resilience and effectiveness, shifting focus from time-based roles to outcome-based strategies. Prioritizing collaboration across departments is essential for successful implementation.

https://www.unleash.ai/artificial-intelligence/ai-has-changed-the-system-in-which-work-happens-so-the-workplace-operating-model-has-to-change-with-it-bloor-research/

AI Workforce Strategy: From Planning to Real Value

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AI workforce strategies often stall despite having the right technology due to organizational readiness, governance, and skills gaps. Success relies on integrating AI literacy among staff, effective governance, and robust data practices. Business leaders must align AI initiatives with measurable outcomes, while security teams ensure safe AI use. A people-first approach prioritizes training over technology, enabling organizations to turn AI from experimental to practical use.

https://www.comptia.org/en-eu/blog/ai-workforce-strategy-from-planning-to-real-value/

Klarna Tried to Replace Its Workforce With AI

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Klarna’s attempt to replace workers with AI led to decreased customer satisfaction, revealing that simply automating tasks doesn’t improve service quality. Successful companies now focus on hybrid models where AI supports human workers rather than replacing them, enhancing efficiency by removing obstacles. This shift emphasizes collaboration between AI and people, highlighting the importance of understanding the unique strengths of humans in the workforce for better outcomes.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91468582/klarna-tried-to-replace-its-workforce-with-ai

A Shorter Workweek Can Prevent AI-driven Mass Unemployment

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AI-driven layoffs are increasing as firms pursue short-term profits without planning for a sustainable future, risking mass unemployment. To address this, a shorter workweek could balance labor supply and demand, maintaining employment and economic stability. Public policy is essential to implement gradual reductions in work hours, ensuring workers benefit from technological advancements without sacrificing job security.

https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/5681660-shorter-workweek-ai-economy/

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