The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and the Human Touch
ANUJ KUMAR
A seasoned professional BFSI and education, administration, HR, and operations support expert | Co-Founder @ Our Rights Society | Advocate for Sustainability | Writer | Public Relations & Team Building Professional |
?? How AI and Automation Are Reshaping Jobs in India | The Evolving Role of HR in an AI-Driven Workplace | Upskilling and Reskilling: The Most In-Demand Skills in 2025
The AI-Powered Workforce Revolution
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer futuristic concepts – they are transforming industries globally, and India is at the forefront of this change. With rapid technological advancements, businesses are embracing AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. However, this transformation comes with challenges: job displacement, skills gaps, and ethical concerns.
?? The big question remains: How can professionals and HR leaders navigate this AI-driven future?
In this article, we will explore how AI and automation are reshaping jobs in India, the evolving responsibilities of HR, the most in-demand skills in 2025, and actionable steps professionals can take to stay ahead.
The Evolution of AI and Automation in India
?? A Brief History of Automation in India
India has seen multiple waves of automation, starting with mechanization in the 1960s, computerization in the 1990s, and digital transformation in the 2000s. The AI revolution of the 2020s has been the fastest yet, with industries like IT, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), and healthcare integrating AI at unprecedented levels.
?? Types of AI & Automation Impacting Jobs
?? AI & Automation in India: Data and Trends
?? McKinsey Report (2024): By 2030, 69% of jobs in India will be impacted by automation, with 10-15% fully automated.
?? NITI Aayog Report (2023): AI adoption in India could add $1 trillion to GDP by 2035.
?? World Economic Forum (2025): 16.2 million Indian workers need to be upskilled/reskilled to remain relevant in an AI-driven job market.
?? LinkedIn India Workforce Report (2025): 84% of HR professionals say AI is influencing hiring decisions, making AI literacy a must-have skill.
HR’s New Role in an AI-Driven Workplace
As AI reshapes work, HR professionals must take on new roles, including:
?? Strategic Workforce Planning – Identifying roles at risk and reskilling employees.
?? AI-Driven Hiring & Talent Management – Using AI for smart recruitment and unbiased hiring.
?? Employee Well-being & Mental Health Support – Addressing stress and anxiety related to job automation.
?? AI Ethics & Compliance – Ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in AI-powered decisions.
?? Example: Infosys uses AI-driven analytics for predictive hiring, ensuring better talent retention.
?? Challenge: HR must balance automation with human touch – AI can assist, but not replace, human decision-making.
??? Upskilling & Reskilling: The Key to Future-Proofing Careers
With AI taking over routine tasks, new skill sets are in high demand:
?? Top In-Demand Skills in 2025
?? Technical Skills:
? AI & Machine Learning ? Data Science & Analytics
? Cybersecurity ? Cloud Computing ? Blockchain
?? Soft Skills:
? Critical Thinking ? Emotional Intelligence ? Adaptability ? Creativity ? Leadership
?? Actionable Advice for Professionals:
? Take AI-related courses (Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, UpGrad).
? Work on real projects – AI skills improve with hands-on experience.
? Develop soft skills – Emotional intelligence & adaptability are irreplaceable.
? Stay updated – Follow AI trends and attend industry webinars.
?? Case Studies: AI in Action
?? India: Infosys' AI-Powered Upskilling Program
Infosys recognized that AI would disrupt IT jobs and launched Lex, an AI-powered learning platform for employees. The platform provides personalized AI training, ensuring that employees stay relevant. Infosys has reskilled over 300,000 employees in AI, automation, and digital skills.
?? Global: AI Accent Neutralization at Teleperformance
Teleperformance, a global BPO company, introduced an AI-based accent neutralization tool by Sanas, helping Indian call center agents sound more neutral to global customers. This use of AI has enhanced customer satisfaction while keeping jobs intact.
领英推荐
?? A Real-Life Story: Priya’s Transformation in an AI World
?? Priya, a 35-year-old HR professional in Mumbai, feared job loss due to AI-driven hiring.
?? Instead of resisting change, she enrolled in an AI and HR analytics course.
?? She learned how to use AI for resume screening, predictive hiring, and employee engagement.
?? Outcome? Priya got promoted to HR Tech Specialist, leading AI-driven HR transformation in her company.
?? Lesson? Adaptability is the key to thriving in the AI era!
?? Challenges & Solutions in the AI Era
?? Challenges
? Job Displacement – Routine jobs replaced by AI.
? Skill Gap – Employees lacking AI expertise.
? Bias in AI – AI decisions can be unfair.
? Solutions
?? Lifelong Learning – Encourage continuous skill development.
?? AI Awareness – HR should train employees on AI benefits.
?? Regulatory Frameworks – Government and HR must ensure ethical AI use.
?? 10 Companies & NGOs Working on AI and Reskilling in India
1?? Infosys – AI-driven workforce upskilling.
2?? TCS – AI adoption in HR analytics.
3?? Wipro – AI-powered cybersecurity training.
4?? NASSCOM – FutureSkills platform for IT professionals.
5?? UpGrad – AI and data science courses.
6?? Simplilearn – AI certification programs.
7?? Microsoft India – AI skilling initiatives for developers.
8?? AICTE – AI education programs in Indian colleges.
9?? Tata Trusts – AI-based social impact projects.
?? Google India – AI literacy programs for students and professionals.
?? The Future of Work in India: What Lies Ahead?
?? By 2030, AI will be a standard part of every workplace.
?? HR professionals must lead AI-driven workforce planning.
?? AI will create more jobs than it replaces, but only for skilled professionals.
?? Continuous upskilling is the only way to stay relevant.
Famous Quotes on AI & Work:
?? "AI will not replace humans. But humans who use AI will replace those who don’t." – Kai-Fu Lee, AI Expert
?? "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." – Socrates
?? Conclusion: Take Action Now!
?? The AI revolution is here – are you ready?
?? For professionals: Start learning AI skills today.
?? For HR leaders: Champion ethical AI adoption and upskilling programs.
?? For businesses: Invest in AI + human collaboration to stay ahead.
?? What’s your take on AI and the future of work? Comment below!
?? #FutureOfWork #AI #Automation #HRTrends #Upskilling #Reskilling #HRLeadership #DigitalTransformation
Disclaimer: This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
? 2025 ANUJ KUMAR