Experts Emphasize Need for Continuous Upskilling Amid Rapid Technological Change

The rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the workplace and driving the need for workers to frequently update their skills. According to Peter Cheese, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the “half-life” of job skills is now between three and four years.

“That means every three or four years we’re going to have to retrain half the skills we have,” said Cheese. “We are seeing the impact of technology and AI on work, and how organisations are having to adapt to this changing world.”

A recent global talent trends report by Mercer highlights upskilling as a critical factor for business success. The report found that over 50% of C-suite leaders view employee upskilling as the most effective way to boost productivity. However, skill shortages remain a major challenge.

“Some 46% of leaders see skill shortages as a top threat to their business,” said Radhika Punshi, managing director of Mercer Talent Enterprise. “The productivity gains expected from innovations like AI will only be realized if people are reskilled and ready to incorporate these solutions into their work.”

The Case for Upskilling

Upskilling benefits both employees and employers, according to experts. Anil Singh, senior vice president and country leader for Saudi Arabia at TASC Group, said, “For employees, upskilling enhances career growth, increases job security, and keeps them competitive. For employers, a continually learning workforce drives innovation and ensures long-term success.”

Singh recommends conducting “skills gap analyses” to identify areas for improvement, aligning skill development with career goals, and fostering a workplace culture of continuous learning.

Soft skills, including adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration, are increasingly vital alongside technical proficiency. “Think of it this way: do you know how to complete a task, and can you explain it to a 5-year-old?” said Vasudha Khandeparkar, AI director at Grant Thornton. “Both sets of skills must evolve together, especially with the rapid pace of change we’re experiencing.”

Strategies for Effective Upskilling

The frequency of upskilling depends on the industry. “In AI, for instance, there’s something new to learn almost every week,” said Khandeparkar. “In other sectors, the pace may vary, but staying proactive is key.”

Singh suggests gaining hands-on experience through job rotations, cross-departmental projects, or workshops. Employees can also develop soft skills through mentoring and leadership programs. Leveraging tools and technologies like AI to enhance efficiency is another effective strategy.

Punshi emphasized the role of HR teams in workforce transformation. “As companies move forward with AI, HR must enable employees to transition to new ways of working, navigate AI’s impact on roles, and use AI to support different stages of the employee lifecycle.”

With technology evolving at an unprecedented rate, experts agree that upskilling is no longer optional but essential for remaining competitive in the modern workforce.