ExplainerWorkplace

How Technology Is Changing the Skills People Need

Technology changes the way work is performed.

When a new tool is introduced, workers may need fewer manual activities but more abilities related to operating, interpreting, supervising or improving the technology.

For example, automation may reduce repetitive data entry while increasing the importance of:

  • data interpretation
  • quality control
  • problem-solving
  • process understanding
  • technology use

This creates an important distinction:

Technology may automate a task without eliminating the need for human contribution.

People therefore increasingly benefit from combining:

Technical literacy + Human capability + Domain knowledge

The specific combination will vary by career.

The important question is not simply:

"What technology should I learn?"

It is:

"What capabilities will help me work effectively with the technology transforming my field?"

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