As the AI boom continues to shape the business landscape, its impact is undeniable. However, business owners are now facing mounting pressure to source skilled staff able to navigate this technology’s developments amid tight labour markets. AI and Tech business owners are finding staff shortages very, very challenging at the moment.

According to a recent analysis by Korn Ferry, by 2030, over 85 million jobs globally could remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled individuals to fill them.

Despite this pressing need, a study by the Boston Consulting Group reveals that a vast majority of UK employees feel they lack the necessary skills to work with AI technologies, with only a fraction having received training to adapt to these changes.

Kevin continues: “As AI and Tech workforces struggle with mounting pressure to handle the workload of larger teams, senior management are equally left with very little time to invest in the development of their team to effectively deal with these issues.

“Whilst the impact on AI is not to be underestimated, over-reliance on AI and tech arguably papers over the skills gap cracks.

“Simply put, organisations must prioritise the development and empowerment of their current staff to meet business objectives.

“Upskilling a team not only boosts a business’s bottom line but also elevates its reputation, which helps retain and recruit quality staff and protect against future talent shortage issues.

“While job hopping has become a natural part of modern career paths, maintaining a reputation as a company that addresses frontline staff issues directly can significantly enhance its reputation, especially as employees transition to other companies.

“Companies need to act now to build thriving teams and retain staff. It’s a delicate balance between empowering and not overworking, but by investing in their teams now, companies can make significant strides towards addressing the talent shortage.”

Here are some top tips to navigate this challenging landscape:

• Don’t leave your team in the dark. Be transparent about challenges, communicate your awareness and reassure them that you’re actively working on solutions.

• Invest in one-to-one support for your team by assigning a dedicated team manager to each staff member. Schedule regular meetings to understand their emotions, stressors and how you can offer assistance.

• Introduce interdepartmental collaboration training sessions to build team-wide understanding of each other’s expertise and potential avenues for mutual support.

• Implement positive reinforcement and reward programs to show your staff they are valued and respected, during high stress periods.