NextGen Workforce Series Recap | Part I | How Generative AI is Transforming the Digital Workforce Landscape

In Part I of our NextGen Workforce Series, we tackled one of the most transformative technologies in HR today: generative AI. Our panelists, Jeff Wellstead , Founder and CEO of Big Bear Partners, and Jakub Kubrynski , Founder of DevSkiller, shared key insights into how AI is disrupting the way we approach recruitment, talent development, and strategic workforce planning.

Generative AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a critical tool reshaping how organizations build, manage, and grow their teams. Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling takeaways from the discussion.

Watch the full webinar here: [LINK]

Generative AI is revolutionizing recruitment and talent discovery?

Generative AI is making a quick impact on HR by transforming recruitment processes. Jeff highlighted the power of AI to automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks like candidate screening and resume sorting. These tools allow recruitment teams to identify top talent quickly and efficiently by analyzing massive datasets in real-time.

AI’s capabilities in recruitment go beyond just automation. Jeff noted how AI tools are now able to detect complex patterns in candidates’ profiles that may not be immediately visible to human recruiters. For example, AI-driven algorithms can match candidates based on skills, experiences, and career aspirations, ensuring a more precise fit for both the role and company culture.

One of the most significant advantages AI brings to recruitment is its ability to reduce biases. By focusing purely on data, AI can help HR professionals build more diverse teams. As Jeff explained, “Recruitment is the first department to adopt AI because it simplifies the process of identifying the right candidates. But beyond that, AI brings transparency, reducing bias and helping us focus on skills and potential rather than subjective factors.”

AI-driven skill mapping and strategic workforce planning

As companies shift towards more skills-based organizational models, the importance of accurate skill mapping has never been greater. Jakub shared how generative AI is playing a pivotal role in helping organizations develop sophisticated skills taxonomies and ontologies, allowing them to map out the skills they currently have and the ones they’ll need in the future.

What makes AI particularly effective in this space is its ability to create “skills ontologies,” which are not just lists of skills but interconnected webs that show how various skills relate to one another. This mapping allows HR professionals to see what skills their workforce possesses and how these skills can be developed or transferred to different roles.

For example, an employee with strong analytical skills but limited experience in data science might be identified as a good candidate for upskilling into a data-driven role. AI can recommend personalized learning paths, taking into account both the employee’s current capabilities and the skills needed for their next role.

"Skill mapping through AI offers organizations the ability to make data-driven decisions, whether it's deciding who to promote, where to allocate talent, or what skill gaps need immediate attention," Jakub emphasized.

This kind of AI-driven insight allows organizations to be proactive, not reactive, in their workforce planning. Rather than scrambling to fill skill gaps, companies can create reskilling and upskilling programs based on future needs, ensuring their workforce is always ready to meet new challenges.

Generative AI in HR operations: Efficiency and employee development

With HR teams often bogged down by administrative tasks, AI presents an opportunity to streamline these processes, freeing HR professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Jakub discussed how AI tools are already being used to automate HR tasks such as employee onboarding, performance management, and compliance tracking. For instance, AI chatbots can handle common HR queries, manage scheduling for interviews or training, and even help employees find the right resources for their roles. This not only saves time but also ensures a consistent, high-quality experience for employees.

But beyond automation, AI is also helping to personalize employee development programs. By analyzing data from performance reviews, training sessions, and employee feedback, AI can recommend tailored development plans for each employee. These personalized plans ensure that employees are always engaged and progressing, which is key to improving retention and job satisfaction.

Jeff highlighted the potential AI has to foster continuous learning within organizations: “AI enables us to focus on the skills that matter most. It’s not just about doing current tasks more efficiently, but about empowering employees to develop new skills that will be essential for the future of work.”

Overcoming challenges and ethical considerations in AI adoption

While the benefits of AI in HR are clear, Jeff and Jakub also touched on some of the challenges that organizations face when adopting AI. One of the most significant concerns is data privacy. As companies collect more data on employees and candidates, they must ensure that this information is handled responsibly and in compliance with regulations such as GDPR.

Another challenge is the fear that AI will replace human jobs. But both panelists emphasize that AI is designed to augment human capabilities, not replace them. By taking over routine tasks, AI frees HR professionals to focus on more strategic, value-adding activities, such as talent development and employee engagement.

Jakub offered practical advice on how to start integrating AI into HR operations: “Begin by identifying areas where AI can solve problems that aren’t being addressed today. Start small—perhaps with automating repetitive tasks—and then expand to more complex applications like skills mapping and workforce planning.”

Watch the full webinar here: [LINK]

Sign up for Part II: Reskilling and upskilling strategies in the digital age

Sign up here: [LINK]

In the digital age, staying competitive demands more than just adopting the latest technology. It requires a workforce capable of adapting to new challenges and opportunities. The need for reskilling and upskilling is more critical than ever, as businesses navigate the rapid changes brought about by digital transformation.

The second installment of our NextGen Workforce Series explores the strategies organizations can implement to reskill and upskill their employees, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in the digital age. As automation, AI, and advanced technologies reshape the workplace, HR leaders must proactively foster a culture of continuous learning and development. This webinar is designed to provide you with actionable insights and strategies to build a future-ready workforce.

Sign up here: [LINK]

Written by: Alexandra Paasch