The Most In-Demand Employees in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes workplace processes, employers—especially in Greece—are clear about the human qualities that remain essential. The demand has shifted from purely technical skills to employees who can actively contribute to how AI is used to meet business goals.
A recent survey by Experis, based on the global ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, reveals that employees who understand business needs and can propose effective AI applications are increasingly valuable in today’s job market.
HR Leading the Way in AI Integration
Human Resources (HR) is among the business sectors most advanced in using AI tools. In Greece, 40% of organizations already apply AI in HR functions, compared to 53% globally. Asia leads globally with 37% of organizations using AI for recruitment, onboarding, and employee training.
Human Skills AI Can’t Replace
Despite AI’s growing presence, employers in Greece emphasize that certain human skills remain irreplaceable. Strategic thinking (33%), team management (31%), and communication (30%) top the list. Globally, ethical judgment (33%) leads, followed by customer service (31%) and team management (30%).
For HR professionals, strengthening these soft skills is crucial to keeping the workforce competitive. Meanwhile, job candidates should continuously build AI-related skills to stay relevant in more tech-driven environments.
Sector-Specific Skill Priorities
The importance of human skills varies by industry:
- Technology: 44% of employers highlight ethical judgment as the key skill AI cannot replace.
- Energy and Utilities: 36% prioritize strategic thinking.
- Communication Services: Nearly half (48%) emphasize communication skills as essential.
These insights confirm that AI can improve efficiency but cannot replace human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills.
Barriers to AI Adoption in Greece
Despite growing AI use, Greek businesses face challenges:
- High investment costs, cited by 35% of organizations (up from 34% last year).
- Increasing concerns about data privacy and security, now affecting 34% of companies.
- Lack of specialized skills within teams, mentioned by 34% of employers.
Addressing these obstacles requires clear planning, employee training, and gradual AI implementation.
Growing Acceptance of AI in Recruitment
Job candidates are increasingly comfortable with AI during hiring. Both in Greece and globally, 85% of employers accept applicants using AI tools at some hiring stage.
In Greece, candidates commonly use AI for:
- Researching company information (36%)
- Finding suitable roles or companies (31%)
- Preparing for interviews (29%)
Employers in Finance and Real Estate (91%), Industry and Construction (89%), and Transport and Supply Chain (87%) are most open to AI use by candidates. However, those yet to adopt AI in recruitment tend to be less receptive, highlighting a gap that HR leaders should address.
Worker Confidence Remains High
Despite workplace changes, most employees feel confident adapting. According to the 2024 ManpowerGroup Talent Barometer, 87% report moderate to high confidence in fulfilling job requirements, and 78% believe they have access to the right technology.
Success in the AI era depends on a balance of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, organizational knowledge, applied technology, and a growth mindset.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
For effective AI integration, companies should:
- Develop human skills that cannot be automated
- Educate employees on AI capabilities and applications
- Start with small AI pilot projects before scaling up
HR professionals can play a key role by fostering these soft skills and supporting training initiatives. For those interested in practical AI training, resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer relevant learning paths to stay current.
Your membership also unlocks:
