In 2022, the growth in hiring AI talent has outpaced overall hiring in APAC. (Representative image/Reuters)
As AI skills gain ground, their impact on the job market is becoming more evident.
LinkedIn, the global professional network platform, has launched its first ever global ‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI’ report, highlighting the rising prominence of Artificial Intelligence in the world of work. Its India findings reveal that AI-skilled members in India increased by 14x in June 2023 compared to January 2016. This growth puts India in the top 5 countries for AI talent increase, alongside Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada.
Also Read: Salary Takes Backseat As Indian Job Hunters Prioritise Work Flexibility Now, Says Report
India embraces AI learning as AI adoption rises at the workplace
Over the past year, 43% of the Indian workforce have witnessed increased AI usage in their workplaces. This surge has prompted 60% of all workers and 71% of Gen Z professionals in India to recognise that acquiring AI skills could enhance career prospects. Further, 2 in 3 Indians say they will learn at least one digital skill in 2023, with AI and Machine Learning being among the top skills they want to learn.
Leaders prioritise AI skilling, hiring, and deployment in India
As AI skills gain ground, their impact on the job market is becoming more evident. In 2022, the growth in hiring AI talent has outpaced overall hiring in APAC.
For India, 2023 promises continued growth for AI hiring, with half of India’s top executives aiming to upskill or hire for AI talent this year. Concurrently, 57% of executives are planning to enhance AI use in their organisations next year, which tells us that businesses are also actively reskilling their existing workforce in AI skills to ensure their teams remain agile and adaptable.
Soft skills take centre stage in the age of AI
The emphasis on soft skills such as creativity and communications in the age of AI is particularly strong in India, with 91% of top executives recognising their increased importance, surpassing the global average of 72%.
A majority of the Indian workforce agrees with this sentiment as 7 in 10 (69%) professionals believe that soft skills such as creativity and problem solving allow them to bring a fresh perspective to work.
Ashutosh Gupta, country manager, LinkedIn India said, “With India’s top executives endorsing the potency of interpersonal skills in the age of AI, we’re entering an era that values more fulfilling, human-centric work. To seize the moment, leaders must solidify their commitment to skills-first hiring because prioritising potential over pedigree can expand talent pools, boost upskilling, and build agility in their workforce.”
“By championing a skills-first mindset, we hold an incredible opportunity to empower our nation’s youth — particularly those living beyond urban centres — with the right mix of digital and human skills so they can lead meaningful livelihoods and thrive in the future of work,” he added.
Methodology of the survey:
LinkedIn shared that its AI Skills Index value measures how much the share of members with at least 2 AI skills on their profiles has increased, compared to the level in January 2016. For example, a value of 3x means the share of members with AI skills is 3x higher as compared to January 2016.
LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index is based on a quantitative online survey distributed to members via email every two weeks.
LinkedIn Executive Confidence Index is an online survey taken by roughly 5,000 LinkedIn members (at the VP-level or above) every quarter. Members are randomly sampled and must be opted into research to participate.
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