The business landscape stands at a pivotal moment of workforce transformation, with organisations facing mounting pressure to balance AI advancement with human-centered operations. As the AI revolution moves beyond theory into practical implementation, fundamental questions have emerged about how the workforce will evolve and how businesses can sustain growth through balancing learning and development, performance management, and employee engagement.
Workday’s new global study outlines a future where AI will be a catalyst for skills revolution. The evidence of this transformation is particularly striking in Asia Pacific (APAC), where 95% of workers report that AI enables them to focus on higher-level responsibilities – surpassing the global average of 93%.
With this in mind, there are several opportunities ahead for organisations to ride out the AI momentum and unlock long-term business success.
Building skills for the future workforce
More than 80% of professionals in APAC agree that AI tools enhance skill development opportunities. This consensus reflects the growing recognition that continuous learning is essential for maintaining relevance in an AI-enhanced workplace. Globally, Singapore is a leader in developing new roles specifically for overseeing AI, highlighting the need for specialised guidance. The success of these initiatives will determine how effectively organisations can harness AI’s potential while developing their human capital.
As AI adoption accelerates, its use cases are reshaping workplace dynamics across multiple domains. Three key applications—data analysis, fraud detection and security monitoring, and especially human resources—are fundamentally changing the skills needed in today’s workplaces. This evolution demands comprehensive upskilling initiatives to ensure employees not only remain relevant but continue to grow and stay motivated in their roles.
Fuelling creativity in the age of AI
AI’s potential to fuel human creativity is immense. By automating routine tasks, AI frees employees for more strategic and innovative work. This potential is already evident in APAC, where 93% of workers are confident using AI for complex work. Imagine AI-powered tools analysing employee feedback to identify key themes, allowing HR to focus on targeted engagement programs. This shift empowers HR to evolve into strategic advisors, driving initiatives for a more engaged workforce. For organisations across APAC, this presents unprecedented opportunities to adapt and thrive in an evolving business landscape.
Fostering trust is the foundation of an AI-enhanced workplace
The successful implementation of AI will depend critically on building and maintaining trust. 90% of workers in APAC recognise AI’s potential to enhance organisational transparency and accountability. However, achieving this potential requires an unwavering commitment to responsible AI implementation, achieved through collaboration between technology companies, organisations, and governments. Having a shared responsibility will be key in effectively harnessing AI’s benefits for all stakeholders.
Prioritising a human-centered approach
While the narrative around AI often focuses on job displacement, creating understandable apprehension among employees, a more nuanced perspective is emerging. This view recognises that AI’s true power lies in augmenting human abilities rather than replacing them entirely. As organisations integrate AI into HR processes, maintaining human oversight becomes paramount. By ensuring that humans remain in the driver’s seat, particularly for critical decisions, organisations can allay fears and foster an environment where humans and AI collaborate effectively. This focus on human-centered AI is not just ethically sound; it is also the key to unlocking sustainable growth and innovation.
The ultimate promise of AI lies in its ability to enhance rather than replace human capabilities. When properly balanced, AI empowers us to enhance upskilling, unleash creativity, and approach challenges with renewed purpose. This represents the true potential of human-centered AI – not merely increasing efficiency but amplifying our uniquely human qualities.
Through thoughtful collaboration between all stakeholders, we can create a future where humans and AI partner to achieve outcomes that surpass what either could accomplish alone. HR leaders across the APAC region should prioritise developing an AI strategy that focuses on upskilling their workforce, fostering trust in AI, and exploring how it can enhance key HR functions. This will ensure their organisations are well-positioned to thrive in the age of AI.
About the author
Melissa Bowden is a Senior HR Director at Workday with more than 20 years of global experience in human resources, talent acquisition and innovation. She partners with Workday leadership to drive business transformation, optimise organisational effectiveness, and develop employees through an Asia-Pacific and Japan-wide talent strategy.
Her career includes human resources leadership roles in high-growth, culturally diverse environments at businesses such as Intuit and Adobe.
