‘Human-ness’ gives people job security

Artificial intelligence (AI) may have IQ (intelligence quotient) but humans have both IQ and EQ (emotional quotient or emotional intelligence), which make them irreplaceable.

In the Innovation Summit that covered the theme Tech Horizons: Unleashing the Future of Innovation and was organized by the auditing firm KPMG (RG Manabat & Co.), technology experts gave the assurance that people’s “soft” skills would remain important even as new scientific advances reorganize and reshape workplaces.

Peter Maquera, CEO of Microsoft Philippines, says the “magic” in workplaces is not the result of technology. “It [happens] when people start innovating.”

In modern, high-technology workplaces, Maquera says “soft skills, like communication skills, become much more important … People skills will matter more now, not less.”

Noel Bonoan prefers to call them “essential,” rather than soft, skills. The vice chair and COO of KPMG Philippines says that, given the nature of the company’s work, there is a lot of personal and sensitive interaction with clients.

“Essential [human] skills become even more necessary with AI,” Bonoan stresses.

Maquera expects people skills needed will change as technology reshapes work environments. CEO’s, for instance, may have to shift from “command mode” in the office to “conversation mode.”

But he points out that AI, which is possibly the most feared technological development at the moment, is merely a tool to help in and improve the way of doing things. It is “safe, secure and trustworthy” and a company has to take steps to transform itself into an AI-confident organization.

Bonoan underscores the benefits of technologies, like reducing human efforts and enhancing security, transforming companies from inside out.

“People are happier for having more time for other things. They do less overtime work,” he says. AI is enhancing employee satisfaction. It allows people to spend less time at work but use that time more efficiently.

Make AI work

David Hardoon, Aboitiz Data Innovation CEO and senior adviser for data and AI at Union Bank, notes that AI is shaping the future. It allows the “identification of possibilities and opportunities”.

“Use AI to improve us, augment us, challenge us,” he says. “Make AI work.”

To allay fears that AI will take over from humans, Hardoon says people should remain at the top of things. People should be driving AI.

A company has to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to advance with AI, he adds.

Bonoan sees AI as another tool to wield. It can facilitate many of the routine tasks of an accounting firm like KPMG but not replace the expertise of humans. He stresses that so many factors that go into decision-making depend on human intervention.

“Accountants have to make a lot of judgment calls,” he adds.

In fact, he points out that, despite new technologies, KPMG is hiring more and more people, including experts who can train clients on the use of modern systems.

But he admits new entrants to the labor force have to possess the skills to use the new technologies competently and efficiently. KPMG, like many other companies, has to develop training programs to prepare new hires for the technologically advanced work ahead.

Bonoan says, “The school curriculum has to be adapted [to the changing demands of the work environment].” Right now, he says KPMG is investing in training. The expense will hopefully fall as schools catch up with new developments.

Nevertheless, Bonoan stresses that KPMG will continue to invest in upskilling its work force in both technological and “essential” competencies.