AI reshapes the talent standard in workplace

A boy watches robots in action at the 20th China International (Shenzhen) Hi-tech Fair in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, last month. （Xuan Hui/China Daily）

"In the last six months, the number of personnel recruitments related with AI has doubled. There is also a 70%-80% increase in resume content highlighting AI skills or AIGC," said Dai Kebin, chairman and CEO of Tongdao Liepin Group.

Data from Amazon, in collaboration with other research institutions, reveals that globally, 73% of employers prioritize hiring AI technology professionals, and 93% of companies anticipate using Generative AI solutions in the next five years.

"As we enter the digital and intelligent era, individuals empowered by technologies such as AI are becoming multi-skilled. Therefore, the talent standard is also evolving, with an emphasis on questioning, AI tool usage, aesthetic sense, and imagination." Dai stated that there will be a shift in the relationship between individuals and organizations, transforming from an employer-employee relationship to a cooperative one.

At the present, the key question is how AI will change the organization structure and the connection between individuals and organizations.

Wang Shengtong, head of employer brand at JD Group, said AI is more than a tool but a colleague and friend, as AI can efficiently handle a wide range of tasks, such as content management, image production, and video editing.

According to Xu Jing, global recruitment director at Sany Group, positions requiring basic technical skills are declining, while jobs requiring operating robots are on the rise. For example, in the manufacturing industry, AI has taken over tasks like production planning and sales planning. "As a company producing intelligent equipment, now we are training our workers with AI programming and robot operation," said Xu.

Fang Fang, vice president of human resources at Wally China, said that incorporating AI not only improves job productivity but also explores new energy-efficient approaches. For instance, supported by data analysis, manufacturers can reduce energy consumption in material selection by discarding high-energy-consuming materials.

On the other hand, the increasing participation of AI in decision-making processes poses a threat to middle-level managers. New professions connected to AI algorithm supervision will develop in the future as AI continues to evolve.

"AI greatly makes up for the lack of work capacity," said Ouyang Lingxiang, chief HR officer at ENN Energy Holdings Limited. He explained that with the help of AI and digital technology, lengthy apprenticeships for complex skills can now be greatly shortened.

Ouyang also emphasized the significance of lifelong education and curiosity. "You will lose in the fierce competition if you do not engage in continuous and self-driven learning and lack innovative thinking. Only those who can use AI while keeping learning, trying, and challenging themselves will have greater development opportunities for a better future," stated Ouyang.

Source: China Youth Daily; trans-editing by Guo Yao