Rethinking learning: Upskilling, reskilling, and soft skills in the age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t replacing human work — it’s reshaping it.

All over the world, roles are evolving, tasks are being automated, and while some skills are losing relevance, others are becoming absolutely critical. This shift is acting as a powerful trigger for widespread reskilling.

In the face of this rapid change, organizations can’t rely solely on technical training anymore. People need to be ready to learn differently, move faster… and most importantly, grow together.

Because at the end of the day, it’s when we put people first that technology truly lives up to its full potential.

Upskilling and reskilling: Driving the shift

In this new reality, upskilling and reskilling aren’t just buzzwords — they’re essential strategies. AI is pushing the need to train people for entirely new roles, while also sharpening their current skills to stay ahead in a constantly changing landscape.

Let’s be real — who hasn’t felt like their job was changing faster than you can say “update”? According to the World Economic Forum (2023), 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted within five years — and 6 out of 10 employees will need training before 2027. (1)

Soft skills are now business-critical

Yes, technical skills still matter — but they’re not enough anymore. Adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence aren’t just “nice-to-haves” — they’re the building blocks of lasting performance. A McKinsey study (2021) shows that organizations investing in social and cognitive skills are more innovative and resilient in the face of change. (2)

In a world where tech is evolving at breakneck speed, our real value lies in the ability to keep learning — both individually and as a team.

A hybrid formula: People + tech

Too often, AI initiatives focus on tools and tech, without taking into account the cultural and relational shifts they require. But future productivity depends on a hybrid formula: tech + human. Every digital project should include a strong human side — with a clear focus on soft skills development.

→ Adaptability: to navigate constant uncertainty and change
→ Collaboration: to unlock collective intelligence and break silos
→ Creativity: to tackle new challenges with fresh ideas
→ Communication: to lead change and ease organizational resistance

Managers as everyday coaches

Managers play a key role in this transformation. Their role isn’t just to lead — it’s to support ongoing learning in their teams. In many ways, they’re becoming everyday coaches: the ones who create space for people to try, learn, and grow. That means:

→ Creating safe spaces to experiment — where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities
→ Supporting soft skills growth alongside technical development
→ Fostering a culture of openness and collaboration

Bringing soft skills into the digital transformation

To make digital transformation stick, soft skills need to be embedded into learning programs. That can mean:

→ Hands-on workshops on critical thinking and problem-solving
→ Training in emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership
→ Team simulations in real-world change scenarios

For HR leaders, the message is clear: investing in soft skills drives performance and delivers real results. One study in the Journal of Political Economy found a 13.5% productivity boost — and a 256% return on investment just eight months after training. (3)

Build an experimental mindset

Innovation doesn’t just come from technology — it comes from a team’s ability to experiment and learn as they go. Encouraging a mindset of experimentation in everyday work builds agility and resilience. It can start small — with low-risk pilot projects and a healthy feedback culture.

Let’s say your team wants to explore a generative AI tool and sets a simple challenge: automate the weekly meeting notes. After a few rounds of testing, you compare AI-generated summaries with your usual notes, adjust the settings, and agree on some basic usage guidelines. It’s a quick, low-stakes win — and a great way to boost confidence and curiosity for what’s next.

Investing in human potential

In a world where technology is advancing faster than ever, it’s people who will make the difference — as long as they have the tools to unlock their full potential. Upskilling and reskilling aren’t just HR trends — they’re powerful drivers of innovation and performance.

At Boostalab, we believe soft skills are the key to building strong, innovative, and sustainable organizations. Ready to equip your teams for the challenges of today and tomorrow? Explore our solutions for putting people — and their skills — at the heart of your development strategy.

Our solutions

To support your team on this journey, we offer flexible options to fit your reality:

→ Group training: Explore our team workshops and learning journeys
→ Individual training: Discover our accessible, practical, people-first e-learning
→ Training for your LMS: Use our content on your own learning platform
→ Corporate subscription: Give your team full access to our online learning platform

Pick the format that fits your goals—and turns your transition into a team-building moment. Take the quiz to see what solution fits best!

References

1. World Economic Forum. (2023). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. World Economic Forum.
2. Dondi, M., Klier, J., Panier, F., & Schubert, J. (2021). Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work. McKinsey.
3. Adhvaryu, A., Kala, N., & Nyshadham, A. (2023). Returns to On-the-Job Soft Skills Training. Journal of Political Economy.