The rise of artificial intelligence isn’t a distant future, it’s already reshaping how we work, hire, and grow. Just this summer, I used ChatGPT to help plan our trip out West. It turned out to be one of our best vacations. My wife was impressed with the itinerary and thought I had done it all myself, until I told her I used AI. She thought I was joking. That moment made it clear: AI is here, and it’s powerful. It’s automating routine tasks and unlocking new levels of productivity, transforming our workplace at a pace that demands our attention.

But with transformation comes tension. Employers are facing a dual challenge: how to harness the power of AI while preserving the human touch that defines great teams and strong cultures. The winners will be the workplaces that use AI to free up time for what matters most—making direct, authentic connections with customers. AI just helps make more of those touches possible, by making the process quicker, more accurate, and more proficient.

What’s Really Changing?

Many feel that AI is going to eliminate jobs. In reality, I do not think it’s about replacing every role, it’s about reshaping how work gets done. Tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms help employees write faster, research smarter, and make better decisions. But they are not magic. They are only as good as the people using them.

The real shift is in skills. Employers are no longer just hiring for experience; they are hiring for adaptability. The ability to work alongside AI, to prompt it effectively, and to apply its insights in meaningful ways is quickly becoming a competitive edge.

What Employers Need to Know?

1. AI Skills Are Emerging Fast, But Not Equally – As an example: a marketing manager might benefit from natural language processing and content generation tools, while a technician may need to understand robotics or visual recognition. Blanket training programs won’t cut it. Tailored strategies will be key.
2. AI Talent Will Command Higher Pay – While job ads don’t capture every use of AI in the workplace, they do reveal where companies are headed. Roles that mention AI skills are seeing salaries that are often 25% more.
3. Human Connection Still Matters – A recent survey found that 62% of job seekers would hesitate to apply to companies that rely too heavily on AI during hiring. Why? Because people want to be seen, heard, and understood, not processed. Soft skills, cultural fit, and personal interaction still matter, especially in recruitment.
4. Critical Thinking Is Still Your Best Tool – With so much noise around AI, it’s easy to get swept up in trends. AI will be good for routine tasks, but people will still solve problems, improve workflows and be the key to developing others.

At our Express Indy South and Columbus offices, we see this shift playing out in real time. Local businesses are asking us how they can stay competitive, and job seekers are wondering how to stay relevant. The key is for leaders to help both sides navigate this change by combining smart technology with a people-first approach.

AI isn’t a threat, it’s a tool. But like any tool, it requires training, strategy, and trust. Employers who invest in customized learning, clear communication, and balanced integration will be the ones who thrive. I believe the future of work isn’t just digital, it’s human-powered AI. And that’s a future worth building.

This topic is part of our Thriving Amidst Turbulent Times series—your trusted guide through the top workforce challenges. Learn more about how technology is transforming work and how businesses are leveraging AI on our Technology Shifts page.