Artificial intelligence and the change that companies are underestimating

However, alongside these concerns, AI is also generating numerous (also new) opportunities and new professional roles. The reality is that work will transform and young people will have to be more aware and strategic about their entry into the labour market, whether it is in one, two, three or five years.

The mistake we make with AI today is to see it as a tool only to improve efficiency, when in fact it is part of an exponential curve of progress, it is the most important change I have seen since I founded Regus in 1989. And change, when it is exponential, doesn't just change roles: it transforms the very speed of business.

Similar experiences have been seen before and I have experienced them. Again, I remember the arrival of e-mail or the widespread use of tools such as smartphones and the internet; with their advent, business has not slowed down, but rather accelerated, and Artificial Intelligence is set to produce similar effects.

In the past, technological transformations have not reduced economic activity, but have profoundly changed it. By eliminating repetitive tasks and creating huge efficiencies, AI frees people to do what they do best: think creatively, solve problems and come up with new ideas.

Among the skills that will be increasingly relevant for the talents of the future, the ability to use Artificial Intelligence effectively stands out, exploiting the potential this technology can offer companies. Those who already approach AI tools and deepen their use are in an advantageous position, being able to contribute with new skills, energy and innovation to the development of fast-growing realities and fostering further progress in terms of productivity.

Looking to the future, it will be important for the younger generation to carefully consider where and how to start their careers and it will be useful to reflect on where they can gain the best professional experience and which skills will be most in demand by the companies of tomorrow. In the past, those who wanted to stand out often chose to learn programming in their spare time or develop additional skills in parallel with their work: a proactive approach that today, more than ever, can make a difference.

History teaches that every major technological change tends to follow a similar path: most people stick to established habits, while a minority adapt quickly and take advantage of new opportunities. What distinguishes the current transformation phase is the speed with which the pace of business is accelerating, probably more so than in recent times.

AI represents a technology that is set to transform everything that is developed in the future. It is not a distant prospect, nor is it a passing trend: it is already a central element in the growth and competitive advantage of companies. Those who decide to invest time and resources in learning and using AI will be able to seize new opportunities, which tend to expand as the market evolves.

History shows that in times of exponential change, those who adapt first are often able to achieve the best results.

*CEO and Founder, International Workplace Group (IWG)