Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Key Skills for the AI Era

As AI reshapes the business world, the skills we need are changing fast. MBO’s research shows that 37% of independent workers already integrate Gen AI into their work, illustrating the rapid adoption of this technology.

Furthermore, McKinsey estimates that by 2030, activities accounting for up to 30% of hours currently worked in the U.S. could be automated.

What does this mean for you and your workforce? Skills that once seemed optional are now essential.

Technology Skills Evolving With AI

While technical skills have always been valuable, some are now in extraordinary demand due to the rise of AI. Data science and machine learning expertise top many organizations’ wish lists.

But an interesting shift is happening—those who can translate complex AI insights into clear business language or find innovative ways to use AI are becoming indispensable.

Financial planning, computer programming, and other technical skills will continue to be valuable, but as you look ahead, here are five key skills to keep in mind.

5 Technical Skills in High Demand

1. Cybersecurity

With remote and hybrid work now the norm, protecting digital assets is critical. Companies must have cybersecurity experts who understand threat detection, risk assessment, and compliance—and be able to explain security concepts to non-technical teams.

2. Data Reliability

With companies generating massive amounts of data, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness is essential. Data reliability experts establish standards to prevent the “garbage in, garbage out” problem.

3. Data Analysis

AI can crunch numbers, but human analysts provide the necessary context. Skilled data professionals ask the right questions, interpret results, and translate complex findings into meaningful insights.

4. Machine-to-Human Communication

As AI becomes more integrated into workflows, the ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams is critical. This includes data visualization, prompt engineering, and making AI outputs clear and actionable.

5. Computing

With companies migrating to cloud environments, cloud computing experts are in high demand. These professionals build a scalable, secure infrastructure that supports AI applications, data storage, and seamless collaboration across distributed teams.

Soft Skills Become Power Skills

While technical knowledge remains important, skills once considered “soft” are now seen as “power skills”—and they set top performers apart in today’s workplace.

A Carnegie Mellon Foundation study found that 75% of long-term job success depends on the level of soft skills employees have.

The most successful employers now prioritize creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaboration alongside technical skills.

5 Soft Skills in Demand

1. Adaptive Creativity

People with this skill go beyond conventional solutions, seeing problems from multiple angles and experimenting with new ideas. They ask, “what if?” and pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned.

2. Emotional Intelligence

AI can analyze sentiment, but it doesn’t truly understand human emotions. Emotional intelligence means reading between the lines, handling conflict constructively, and building trust—critical skills in a digital-first world.

3. Collaborative Leadership

Strong leaders unite teams across digital spaces, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. They guide discussions, balance diverse perspectives, and integrate AI tools in ways that enhance teamwork rather than replace it.

4. Critical Thinking

With so much information available, critical thinkers evaluate AI-generated insights, challenge assumptions, and make sound decisions. They know how to ask the right questions and spot inconsistencies others might miss.

5. Resilience

Resilient team members navigate change and setbacks with a positive mindset. In a fast-changing workplace, this ability helps them stay focused and perform well, even in the face of challenges.

Check Out: How to Interview for Soft Skills

How to Build Your Workforce for the Future

Which skills do you see as most valuable in your field? And how is your organization adjusting its hiring and workforce development strategies to keep up?

When you work with MBO Partners, we’ll explore these questions and more to ensure you have the right workforce for the future—so you can focus on long-term success.

To stay ahead in the world of work, visit MBO’s blog for the latest updates on workforce compliance, AI and technology, skills development, and more.