After an invigorating World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, our chief marketing officer shares her takeaways, including thoughts on the digital workforce of the future.
Emma Chalwin
Chief Marketing Officer
Workday
At this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, the energy around AI was palpable. It’s clear that this technology is already revolutionizing the way we work, ushering in a new era in the workforce—one in which humans and advanced technologies collaborate seamlessly to achieve transformative results.
This shift isn’t just about efficiency or productivity; it’s also about unlocking human potential and redefining what it means to be human at work. With so much discussion around AI replacing humans, I was particularly struck by the recent Workday global research report “Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution,” which found that 83% of respondents using or planning to adopt AI believe it will actually enhance uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
We’re on the cusp of a remarkable era—one in which human ingenuity and technological innovation combine to create a brighter future of work.
Report
By automating mundane tasks and freeing us from the drudgery of work, AI empowers us to focus on developing our “superpowers”—those uniquely human qualities that are rapidly becoming the most in-demand skills of the future.
What else does the data tell us?
81% of employees agree that AI is fundamentally changing the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
93% of employees who are actively using AI agree that it allows them to focus more on higher-level responsibilities.
83% agree AI will enhance creativity and lead to new economic value, with active AI users showing the most positive and consistent sentiment.
While 82% of individual contributors agree with the statement that “employees will crave more human connection as AI usage grows,” only 65% of managers say the same.
As you can see, most people agree that our AI future is bright. But with this incredible potential comes a critical question: How can we ensure that we have the right skills to succeed in the workforce of the future? The answer, I believe, lies in embracing and amplifying our human skills.
As AI enhances our IQ, we get to lean into our EQ. The leaders who will thrive in this new world of work are those who have sharpened their uniquely human skills, inspiring and connecting with their teams in a way only humans can. This enables them to attract and retain top talent and foster a devoted followership.
I believe these leaders share a few key traits:
High EQ: They possess strong emotional intelligence, enabling them to understand and respond to the needs of their teams.
Strong values: They lead with integrity, kindness, empathy, compassion, vulnerability, and a commitment to ethical AI practices. They understand that workplace culture will continue to be critical in creating an environment where humans can do their best work.
Adaptability: They embrace change and are always learning and growing. They underscore the importance of reskilling and upskilling within their teams and provide opportunities to do so. They also champion programs that help others build their EQ, such as mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching.
We’re on the cusp of a remarkable era—one in which human ingenuity and technological innovation combine to create a brighter future of work. This isn’t about humans versus AI; it’s about humans and AI, each playing to their strengths, creating a symphony of skills in which the human touch complements the efficiency and analytical power of AI.
Imagine a workplace where:
AI allows us to focus on our “soul work”—the work that truly inspires us and where we make the greatest impact
Leaders foster a culture of collaboration and trust, where humans feel empowered to contribute their unique talents
Technology enhances our human capabilities, helping us make better decisions, solve complex problems, and connect with each other on a deeper level
This is the future I envision—a work environment where technology elevates humanity, where work is not just a means to an end but a source of fulfillment and purpose. And it’s a future we can build together.
So let’s embrace this collaborative revolution with open minds and open hearts. Let’s focus on building a future that’s not only AI-enabled but also ethical, equitable, and deeply human. Let’s focus on the skills needed to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reach their full potential, and make a meaningful contribution.
I invite you to join Workday on this journey. Explore the endless possibilities with us on February 11 as we take Agentic AI to the next level. Together, we can unlock the future of work—one in which humans and the digital workforce collaborate to create a world that takes us forever forward.
Report
62% of leaders welcome AI, but only 55% of employees feel the same way. Closing this AI trust gap and ensuring that your organization is prepared for widespread AI implementation will prove decisive to your company's future success.