As a recent graduate scouring job openings on a daily basis, I’ve often come across job descriptions requesting candidates "comfortable using AI tools." This clearly indicates that now, regardless of whether you’re navigating the job market or managing an organisation, AI literacy is no longer a mere advantage—it is becoming a necessity. That being said, AI literacy goes beyond just using tools, so how can both employees and organisations ensure that they are AI-ready for the future?
What is the need for an AI-literate workforce?
As AI reshapes industries, not just by automating tasks but by reshaping how we work and how businesses make decisions, The World Economic Forum predicts that 85 million jobs will be displaced by 2025 due to automation, but 97 million new roles requiring human-AI collaboration will emerge (World Economic Forum, 2020). Thus, even if not yet, AI literacy is soon going to become essential for career growth and organisational success.
Moreover, like I said earlier, AI-literacy goes beyond just knowing how to interact with AI tools; it's about understanding how AI processes data, makes decisions but more importantly, how do you interpret the insights that AI feeds us. As AI tools become more integrated into business operations, employees need the skills to analyse AI outputs and make decisions based on that information.
AI-literacy beyond technical roles
AI literacy isn’t limited to specific technical roles. It’s a skill that can and should be embedded across all job functions. According to a Statista report, 86% of companies have seen a growth in demand for AI skills between 2015 and 2020, across various industries (Statista, 2024). Thus, this growth doesn’t just apply to technical or data roles—it affects marketing teams, human resources, sales, finance, and many other departments.
For example, in marketing, AI tools might automate data analysis, but without a critical understanding of the AI’s decisions, teams can’t leverage the insights fully or address any biases that might emerge. Similarly, in customer service, while AI chatbots can handle queries, human employees need to interpret and act on the data these systems provide to ensure high-quality customer experiences.
Building AI-Literacy: Organisational Level
According to McKinsey, 50% of organisations are either already implementing AI or are planning to do so soon (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Now, while individual employees must take initiative in upskilling to cope with such change, organisations too, have a critical role to play in building an AI-literate workforce. Companies that foster an AI-ready culture and provide access to AI training for all employees are more likely to successfully adapt to and benefit from AI advancements. Employees need to know how to interpret AI-generated data and apply it meaningfully to their roles. By embedding AI literacy in their workforce, organisations ensure they have the skills necessary to harness AI’s full potential and create a competitive advantage.
Building AI-Literacy: Individual Level
For individuals, investing in AI literacy is crucial. Many online resources and platforms, like Coursera, edX, and Netropolitan Academy (which offers courses in generative AI), offer training programs that can help people get started in AI and machine learning. These resources provide accessible pathways to learn how to understand, use, and interpret AI tools effectively. Irrespective of whether you're just starting your career or are looking to develop new skills, AI literacy is an investment in both personal growth and long-term career success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an AI-literate workforce isn’t just a benefit - either from the perspective of an individual seeking career growth or an organisation looking to adapt, understanding and interpreting AI’s data and insights is crucial. As AI becomes more integrated into every aspect of work, the need for a workforce that can critically engage with AI will only grow. By prioritizing AI literacy now, we empower ourselves in being prepared for the future of work, where humans and AI collaborate to drive success.
References:
McKinsey & Company. (2021). The State of AI in 2021: McKinsey Global Survey Results. Link
Statista. (2024). Top Skills on LinkedIn Profiles with AI Aptitude Worldwide. Link
World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. Link
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