Advancements, AI could make 50% of workforce skills outdated – report

Project Management Institute (PMI’s) Global Megatrends 2024 report has revealed that nearly half of today’s workforce skills could become outdated within two years due to advancements like generative AI. This rapid evolution, it said, underscores the critical need for continuous upskilling as job requirements shift.

The Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI, George Asamani, noted that as the future unfolds in real-time, evolving workplace demands mean even the most experienced professionals must keep learning.

“In this environment, upskilling and reskilling will feel like “running in place” as technologies like AI reshape industries. Professionals must continuously develop their skill sets to stay relevant. Professional organisations play a pivotal role here, equipping members with essential tools, training, and certifications to navigate ongoing changes. These organisations ensure that members can keep pace with demands, making relevance and adaptability achievable in an era of accelerating innovation.

“Professional organisations are rooted in shared knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration. They allow members to develop crucial interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, through authentic connections. Through networking events, webinars, and peer learning, organisations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) foster environments where these skills are naturally honed.

“The Boston Consulting Group identified human-to-human, team, and community-focused skills as the essential “skill set of the future,” spotlighting interpersonal and collaborative abilities needed in modern workplaces.

Professional organisations also serve as thought leaders, offering members curated insights into global trends, emerging challenges, and the future of their industries. Through academic research, industry reports, and expert-led sessions, members gain invaluable context to stay informed on the latest trends and best practices. Access to high-quality, reliable knowledge is a distinct advantage in an era when information is plentiful but often unfiltered. With trends like AI, data analytics, and agile frameworks reshaping many sectors, they provide proactive resources and workshops, keeping members prepared and ahead of the curve.

Beyond the individual benefits, professional organisations offer a sense of belonging.

PMI, for instance, has a global project management community of over a million that regularly connects to share experiences, celebrate successes, and tackle industry challenges together. This shared identity is crucial for specialised roles like project management, providing motivation and satisfaction that can be hard to find in isolated or remote roles.