The Friday Future Of Work (Vol 13) Cultivate
Some Insights from the Richmond HR Forum: AI and the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
How HR Leaders Can Thrive in the Age of AI.
Welcome to our fortnightly newsletter on the future of work. In this edition, we'll explore key insights from my recent talk at the Richmond Events Human Resources Forum, focusing on AI's role in shaping the workplace of tomorrow.
The Richmond HR Forum: A Hub of Innovation
The 33rd annual Richmond HR Forum brought together over 140 HR leaders for a two-day learning experience. The event featured a mix of keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on industry trends. My AI training session, attended by more than 50 professionals from various organisations, was well-received, with some participants describing it as "the most engaging of all the sessions".
Why AI Matters in HR
My journey in AI, including co-founding Your FLOCK and authoring "The New Intelligence", has led me to a crucial conclusion: AI is ushering in the Fifth Industrial Revolution. This shift will transform not just HR, but the entire world of work.
The Double-Edged Sword of Hybrid Work
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models, revealing both benefits and challenges:
Pros: Improved retention and performance
Cons: Increased productivity pressures and potential disengagement
A structured hybrid model, balancing office work and flexibility, may offer a way forward. However, it's not just about where we work, but how we work.
Bringing Humanity Back to HR
As we integrate AI into our workplaces, there's a pressing need to "bring the humane back to human resources". This involves using new technologies to create more caring and efficient work environments.
AI: Enhancing Human Potential
Recent AI advancements have been remarkable. For instance, ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just 72 days. However, AI's true value lies in enhancing human potential rather than replacing it.
Key takeaway: The future belongs to those who can leverage AI while maintaining independent thinking and emotional intelligence.
Values: The Heartbeat of HR Strategy
In this era of rapid change, core values become more crucial than ever. They influence employee engagement, retention, and job satisfaction. When employees align with their organisation's values, they're more likely to stay committed and productive. Just like Bruce Daisely said in his keynote talk before my AI training session…
The Human Touch in the Age of AI
As we embrace AI and data in HR, we must remember that technology should augment, not replace, human connections. These connections foster creativity and satisfaction in the workplace.
Looking Ahead: The AI-Augmented HR Professional
Will technology replace the human element in work? Not entirely. While AI boosts efficiency and productivity, it cannot fully replace the human connections that drive creativity and satisfaction.
Remember:
"AI won't replace you - but someone using AI might".
Ensure you're equipped for this new era by upskilling in AI. if you would like you can check out my courses on AI. Be it the beginner AI Prompt Engineering Course or the more specialist AI Marketing Course.
Thank you for your continued interest in the future of work. If you want to know more about my thinking for the HRForum - the blog is here too.
Until our next edition, keep innovating and stay human in this AI-driven world.
Yours as ever
Dan Sodergren
PS From Fay Watkin. Conference Manager. Richmond Events.
“We invited Dan Sodergren to speak to our senior HR audience about the impact of AI on the workforce – Dan provided a high-octane seminar, covering a wide range of insights and resources, and was engaging and energising throughout.”
References for the edition:
Corporate Training - Future of Work, Technology And Digital Marketing Man Dan Sodergren
Future of Work, Technology And Digital Marketing Man Dan Sodergren
Dan Sodergren #FutureOfWork (gumroad.com)
Dan Sodergren, Future of Work & AI Evangelist — Pomona Partners
Richmond Events Post On LinkedIn.
Future of Work, Technology And Digital Marketing Man Dan Sodergren
The Richmond Human Resources & L&D Forums on LinkedIn