The Art of Building Skills and Why it’s so Critical for the Future of Work

As a parent, there’s no greater achievement than watching your child grow and flourish into their own person. It’s a journey filled with countless moments of pride, joy, and reflection — a chance to witness their unique personality develop, to support them through challenges, and to celebrate their successes as they carve out their own path in the world.

My son, Jack, is the apple of my eye. Yet, when it comes to our passions and interests, we couldn’t be more different. Jack has always been the artistic one in our family, taking after my husband, who built a successful career in film.

While I thrive in the boardroom, Jack has always been drawn to the studio. Where I turn to spreadsheets and formulas to solve complex challenges, he turns to pencil and paper, sketching out his ideas with inspiring ease.

Bearing witness to Jack’s growth into a talented artist has been a joy. If you follow my LinkedIn feed closely, his work will be familiar to you: he is the brilliant mind behind the comic strips that light up our pages for All’s Well Health Care Services and AllSTEM Connections. Through the colorful stories of characters like Harold and Wilbur, he brings a playful wit to our work in staffing. It contributes a refreshing, personal touch to an industry where the human touch is so important — yet, can sometimes feel like an afterthought.

Jack’s interest in art — and, specifically, comics — goes way back. So this summer, during a family trip to Europe, I knew we had to add Belgium to our list. Not only is the country one of the most beautiful places on the continent, but it also has a rich tradition in the world of comics, being the birthplace of iconic characters like Tintin and The Smurfs. It’s the epicenter of the comic arts in Europe, and the Comic Art Museum in Brussels celebrates this heritage, showcasing the country's vibrant comic art scene and its influential artists.

The trip to the museum, and my reflections on Jack’s journey, have led me to think deeply about the broader implications for the future of work.

The ability to wear many hats, to be ambitious and creative, and to navigate different domains is increasingly valuable. As we move forward, these qualities will continue to shape the way we approach work, blending creativity with technology and redefining success in ways we are only beginning to understand.

At the same time, our role as leaders means that we, too, have a responsibility to lead with care — to support and nurture the interests of our team members and to foster their growth while encouraging passion projects. This approach not only benefits individual development but also strengthens a team's overall performance and engagement, creating an environment where everyone can contribute their best work.

This kind of supportive, nurturing leadership is even more important in the context of a world of work that is rapidly changing. Research from AppleOne has revealed the stakes: 44 percent of the skills required today will be disrupted in the next five years. Among the so-called “soft” skills gaining the most traction are cognitive skills, including both creative and analytical thinking, and curiosity and lifelong learning. The companies that will succeed in this environment of change are the ones who start preparing today by hiring for the skills of the future and rewarding workers who are interested in amassing a broad set of skills.

There’s a lot to be excited about as we think about the future. No matter where you look, the development of critical skills will play a central role. Here are three trends we are closely tracking:

1. AI and the human element: The integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace promises to elevate human capabilities to unprecedented levels. However, the success of AI initiatives hinges on the human touch. According to a recent survey included in AppleOne’s Labor Market Overview 2024 Mid-Year Update, 95% of executives and 94% of IT practitioners believe AI projects are likely to fail without a workforce adept at using these tools. They emphasize that the key to preparing for emerging AI technologies lies in investing in talent, training, and fostering a supportive culture. Critical skills such as analytical judgment, complex problem-solving, and creativity are now essential across all job functions, making it imperative for organizations to train employees to collaborate effectively with AI.
2. Sustainability and the role of young people: The commitment to sustainability is increasingly becoming a driving force for younger generations in the workforce. Generation Z, who will make up about 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030, are particularly connected to the noble purposes of their employers, especially in industries focused on achieving sustainability goals. Employers play a crucial role in preparing workers for the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, just over half of Gen Z believe their employers provide the necessary skills for this shift. Seizing the decarbonization opportunity could potentially create over 300 million jobs by 2050, underscoring the importance of businesses aligning with the values of younger generations and offering affordable, sustainable products and services.
3. Embracing Equity, Diversity, and Flexibility: In today's evolving labor market, the value of a diverse workforce has become increasingly clear. As the workforce transitions with the emergence of Gen Z and an aging population, tapping into a broader talent pool enhances innovation and problem-solving. Companies like The ActOne Group, which prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrate the advantages of connecting candidates from various backgrounds to meaningful work opportunities. In my experience, offering flexibility in employment, such as temporary staffing arrangements, helps companies appeal to all types of workers. This adaptability to how people prefer to work is crucial in leveraging diverse skills and perspectives.

I’m grateful to be in the business of people, where every interaction holds limitless potential. Seeing this potential come full circle is profoundly rewarding. At the ActOne Group, our collective mission is to create a future where the next generation can achieve its fullest potential. As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure we leave the world better than we found it.

In this business, the true measure of success is the impact we have on people's lives. I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future and to work alongside those who share this vision.

Together, we can create lasting change and empower the next generation not only to grow — but to thrive.