3 future skills that may soon be basic requirements at work
The climate crisis, AI and remote working are turning the labour market upside down. Forget Excel and PowerPoint: three new basic requirements are now emerging for anyone who wants to thrive in a changing working life – carbon intelligence, virtual intelligence and AI literacy. They are no longer seen as a bonus, and may soon become the new normal.
Not so long ago, a reasonable command of Excel or other standard software was enough to land a qualified office job. Today, the rules of the labour market are being rewritten at record speed. Ronit Avni, CEO of the education company Localized, calls the phenomenon “the new skills triad”. It rests on three abilities that have quickly become as fundamental as knowing how to use a web browser once was.
The so-called skills triad consists of carbon intelligence, virtual intelligence and AI literacy. Together, they reflect a working life in which climate requirements, digitalisation and automation are changing what is expected of today’s and tomorrow’s professionals.
“Rather than having an expert who is the sole authority, the ability to use AI tools will become increasingly important going forward.”
Carbon intelligence is about understanding how every decision at work affects the climate. Keeping track of emissions is no longer just the job of the head of sustainability – the whole company needs to play its part. From procurement and logistics to product development, new regulations mean that everyone must understand how their work affects the climate.
Virtual intelligence concerns the interpersonal skills required in a digital working environment. Being able to collaborate across time zones, build trust without meeting in person and navigate the boundary between work and private life has become central in a working life where the office is often secondary.
The third component, AI literacy, does not mean you have to become an expert in machine learning. Being able to use AI in a smart, creative and ethical way, however, will be crucial. Without an understanding of AI, you risk falling behind quickly.
Swedish research: AI is reshaping working life
How this development is changing our view of work and roles is also reflected in current Swedish research. Swedish experts likewise agree that AI is shaking up working life. Frida Pemer, associate professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, notes that the expert is no longer a lone star. Instead, it is those who can collaborate with AI who stand out:
“Rather than having an expert who is the sole authority, the ability to use AI tools will become increasingly important going forward,” Frida Pemer, associate professor of business administration at the Stockholm School of Economics, tells Akavia Aspekt.
She points out that AI cannot replace human empathy, but it does change how we organise work. Simpler, more routine tasks are being automated, while the need for employees who can assess and refine AI-generated material is growing.
“We will probably need a lot of employees in the layer that works in interaction with AI. They need enough knowledge and experience to be able to assess and develop the material that AI produces,” says Frida Pemer.
A new foundation for working life
In short, carbon intelligence, virtual intelligence and an understanding of AI will soon no longer be “nice-to-have” skills. In the near future, these three areas of competence may be classed as minimum requirements in many professional roles.
Businesses, education providers and decision-makers who want to equip the Swedish workforce for the future therefore need to ensure that these abilities become a natural part of both education and professional development.
