A new report from UCL students and consultancy firm Capgemini argues that while generative AI (commonly referred to as GenAI) is set to revolutionise the nature of the workforce, many organisations are not yet prepared for this technology and lack the skills required for its efficient implementation and use. Carried out at the UCL School of Management’s Analytics Lab, the report analyses the changes in skills required and the ways in which organisations can approach this vital reskilling.

As the authors note, the GenAI journey is only just beginning, yet the technology is already demonstrating significant potential to not only re-image the ways in which work is done, but also deliver major productivity improvements. For example, GenAI tools can enable the automation of knowledge work and decision-making, with recent data from McKinsey & Company also indicating that GenAI will affect up to 70% of business activities. The role of GenAI in both present and future workforces can therefore not be underestimated.

However, the increased presence of GenAI in the workforce brings with it significant challenges for organisations, particularly in relation to the adoption of new skills for employees. For example, workers will need different skills in order to navigate a dialogue with GenAI that essentially treats the technology as a co-worker, instead of an overbearing force that is threatening their jobs. In addition, workers will need to learn how to trust GenAI, but not trust it to the point of blind following. Pointing to research from Kahneman, the authors note that if the tech looks good, assumptions are made that the tech is right, but there is always room for error.

Ultimately, to combat these changes, the report argues the need for a framework for GenAI skills - one that enables a systematic, consistent approach and updates competency models accordingly. They argue that GenAI should be implemented with speed and safety, eliminating the emergence of negative unexpected consequences.

Read the full report or find out more about the UCL School of Management Analytics Lab.