By 2030, nearly 70% of jobs will undergo significant changes as both hard and soft skills evolve at an accelerated pace, according to executives from the HR and recruitment sectors. Speaking at the Banking, Innovation and Technology conference organized by Khaleej Times on Wednesday, industry leaders emphasized the urgent need for companies to engage employees and involve them in decision-making processes to improve productivity and enhance ownership.
Susana Correia, Head of Search and Staffing for MENA at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, highlighted that rapid changes in skill requirements are particularly evident in the banking and finance sectors in the MENA region. “Skills are changing fast, and the pace is increasing. In terms of hard skills, data analytics and AI are at the forefront, while adaptability and problem-solving are key soft skills,” said Correia. She noted that AI is no longer just a technical skill but an enabler for developing these critical soft skills.
Correia also emphasized the importance of ensuring that employees bring “trustworthy and safe” AI tools to work, to ensure efficiency across industries. LinkedIn’s platform, she added, facilitates seamless recruitment, with millions of job postings and 5 million data points created at any given time. “In fact, seven people are hired every minute through LinkedIn,” she said.
Yusra Abdul Ghaffar Baqi, Chief Human Capital Officer at Aafaq Islamic Finance, advised companies to share their vision with employees before introducing technology. “Technology is just a tool to improve jobs,” she said, citing how the Covid-19 pandemic led to a rapid shift in work habits. “Leaders must ensure that employees are aligned with the company’s strategy and vision,” Baqi stressed, noting that employee happiness directly correlates with better productivity. She also urged employers to involve employees in decision-making, stating, “If employees are part of a decision, they will take ownership of it.”
Fazeela Gopalani, Partner at EY MENA, who moderated the panel, echoed this sentiment, adding that adopting a hybrid work model could benefit both companies and their employees. Meanwhile, Sonali Attri, Vice President of People Business Partner for EEMEA at Mastercard, underscored the importance of collaboration. “Innovations happen when people come together,” she said, emphasizing the value of fostering a collaborative environment within organizations.
The conference saw a large gathering of executives from the banking, finance, and technology sectors, discussing how businesses can navigate the rapid pace of technological change and create more agile, efficient workplaces.
