The accelerating pace of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is revolutionising industries, upending traditional roles, and challenging the fundamental nature of work. AI’s potential to transform processes and amplify productivity offers unprecedented opportunities but also introduces significant uncertainties. At a recent HRKatha Futurecast discussion, powered by Adecco, industry leaders dissected how organisations can harness AI’s transformative power while addressing the challenges it poses to the workforce.
Moderated by Sunil C, country manager at Adecco India, the panel featured industry stalwarts such as Rajita Singh, chief people officer at Kyndryl, and Deepak Dobriyal, SVP, global talent management at Birlasoft. Together, they explored the dual challenge of integrating AI into workplaces while preserving the irreplaceable human touch. Central to their insights was a recognition that the future of work hinges on collaboration, adaptability, and trust.
India’s unique advantage
India’s position in the global AI revolution is both promising and precarious. According to Adecco’s Global Workforce of the Future Survey 2024, 19 per cent of Indian employees are “future-ready”—the highest percentage globally. Dobriyal highlighted this as an opportunity for India to establish itself as a hub for workforce readiness and AI adoption. “India’s tech sector, from HR to finance, is uniquely positioned to adapt to AI faster than other countries due to its digitally savvy workforce,” he remarked.
“India’s tech sector, from HR to finance, is uniquely positioned to adapt to AI faster than other countries due to its digitally savvy workforce.”
Deepak Dobriyal, SVP, global talent management, Birlasoft
India’s demographic dividend further bolsters its prospects. With over 12 million new entrants to the workforce annually, the nation enjoys a robust supply of young, tech-savvy professionals. Yet, as Dobriyal cautioned, this advantage is time-sensitive. “Countries like those in the Middle East are aggressively investing in technology and skilling,” he warned. “India must act decisively to harness its demographic edge before the working-age population plateaus in the coming decades.”
Collaboration across industry, academia, and government is critical to sustaining this lead. Dobriyal advocated for a strategic push to elevate India’s future-ready workforce from 19 per cent to over 50 per cent, ensuring the country retains its competitive edge.
The productivity paradox
AI adoption is already yielding tangible productivity gains in India. According to the Adecco survey, Indian workers save an average of 70 minutes daily due to AI tools—well above the global average of 59 minutes. Yet this efficiency raises an important question: how is this saved time being utilised?
Singh pointed out that while AI-driven efficiencies often free employees from mundane tasks, they do not necessarily lead to reduced workloads. Instead, many workers redirect the saved time toward upskilling or managing personal tasks, blurring the lines between professional and personal life. “AI is alleviating routine workloads, enabling employees to focus on strategic and creative roles,” Singh observed. “But this shift also increases cognitive demands, heightening the risk of burnout.”
“AI is alleviating routine workloads, enabling employees to focus on strategic and creative roles. But this shift also increases cognitive demands, heightening the risk of burnout.”
Rajita Singh, chief people officer, Kyndryl
This emerging “work-life integration” requires organisations to recalibrate their focus, balancing productivity gains with employee well-being. Singh likened this alignment to the Japanese concept of “Ikigai”—a convergence of purpose, passion, and productivity.
The skills crisis
Concerns about AI-induced job losses often dominate discussions about the future of work. Dobriyal, however, offered a contrarian perspective. “This isn’t a jobs crisis—it’s a skills crisis,” he asserted. AI, particularly generative AI models like ChatGPT, is reshaping roles rather than eliminating them. Drawing parallels to historical technological shifts, such as the advent of computers in banking or railways during the industrial revolution, Dobriyal emphasised that new technologies have historically transformed work rather than rendered jobs obsolete.
“The focus should be on evolving jobs rather than fearing their disappearance,” he said, noting that AI excels at automating repetitive tasks. Professionals who embrace AI tools stand to enhance their productivity and creativity, while those who resist risk obsolescence.
Dobriyal stressed the urgency of upskilling initiatives. “Organisations must prioritise training employees to effectively use AI tools,” he said. Such efforts will enable workers to integrate AI into their roles, making them more valuable contributors in the long run.
Leadership and ethical AI
As AI transforms workforces, leadership must play a pivotal role in managing this change. Sunil likened the AI revolution to earlier industrial shifts, such as the introduction of computers, which initially sparked fears but ultimately unlocked new opportunities. “Leaders must not only adopt AI but also create a culture of continuous learning and adaptability,” he said.
“Leadership is about ensuring people are not just aware of AI but confident in using it,” he explained. “This involves clear communication, robust training programmes, and a vision that aligns technological adoption with organisational values.”
Sunil C, country manager, Adecco India
Sunil also emphasised the need for leaders to bridge the gap between AI capabilities and workforce readiness. “Leadership is about ensuring people are not just aware of AI but confident in using it,” he explained. “This involves clear communication, robust training programmes, and a vision that aligns technological adoption with organisational values.”
Moreover, Sunil stressed that saved time due to AI should be strategically directed toward innovation and skill enhancement. “How organisations choose to utilise the time freed by AI will define their competitive edge,” he said. He suggested that leaders could foster creativity by encouraging employees to focus on problem-solving, design thinking, and collaborative projects.
Ethics and transparency remain critical considerations. Singh underscored the importance of using diverse datasets to mitigate algorithmic bias and ensure inclusivity. “To deploy ethical AI, organisations must establish clear policies around data privacy, transparency, and accountability,” she explained. Collaboration with regulators, academics, and civil society is essential to ensure AI serves broader societal goals, such as reducing inequalities in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
The path forward
India’s trajectory in the AI-driven future hinges on decisive action. Singh noted that 85 per cent of Indian business leaders are investing in AI, with returns outpacing global counterparts. Yet challenges persist, such as a 27 per cent skills gap in AI talent. Addressing this gap requires a blend of traditional strengths and modern ingenuity. By fostering creativity, discipline, and ethical awareness, India can prepare its workforce to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.
As Dobriyal concluded, “Learning agility, adaptability, and resilience are non-negotiable in the AI era.” By equipping its workforce with these traits, India can not only thrive in the AI revolution but also lead it, cementing its position as a global superpower in the future of work.