Despite the fears of staff being replaced by automation, the majority of businesses consider the human element of advanced technology as critical.

A recent survey conducted by HSBC of 2,600 business leaders found that 86% of businesses were looking at how emerging technologies like AI could advance employee skillsets.

An additional 83% are planning to re-train their workforce to utilise the rapidly developing technology.

The findings come amid the concerns that the progress of AI will put thousands out of jobs, with job security along with the spread of misinformation being identified as the biggest concerns of automation.

However, they also indicate that businesses are aiming to prioritise the human aspect of work, even as automation continues to develop further.

The confluence of human skills and AI technology is a fundamental aspect of the success of businesses and their growth in the coming years, HSBC has found.

“The findings highlight that human skills are still highly desired in the workplace as businesses harness AI to advance the skillsets of their employees,” Sridhar Iyengar, MD for Zoho Europe, said.

“While it’s true that AI can sometimes be portrayed negatively as a jobs threat, businesses can use the technology to empower their teams to perform more efficiently and creatively, when applied in the right way.”

“It’s great to see AI being used for upskilling as companies look to invest further in this emerging technology to realise it’s full capabilities for business. While it’s true that AI and automation will replace some jobs, it will also introduce new opportunities and roles. This is the case with any technology evolution.”

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Jonathan Young, Chief Information Officer of FDM Group, added: “As AI adoption continues to grow, businesses need human skills to harness its potential. Organisations investing in employee skills development in response to tech innovations, are enhancing the digital skills of the workforce. ”

“There is a fear that AI will replace jobs in future but seeing organisations focus on utilising the adoption of AI to boost productivity, innovation and economic growth is a positive step towards the success of the technology.”