The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday work routines is no longer a futuristic concept but a current reality. According to a new international study by Microsoft and LinkedIn, a staggering 75% of workers are now using AI tools in their jobs. This rise in AI adoption is rapidly reshaping the labour market, prompting businesses to reassess traditional hiring criteria. As AI becomes more ingrained in the workplace, it raises an important question: is experience still the most valuable asset, or is proficiency in AI the new benchmark for career success?
The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report highlights a fundamental shift in how companies are approaching recruitment. The study, based on responses from 31,000 individuals across 31 countries, reveals that AI expertise is now often preferred over years of experience. This emerging trend could be signalling the beginning of a new age of AI professionals, where having the right AI skills may outweigh the depth of one’s previous job experience.
The Growing Role of AI in the Modern Workplace
AI’s presence in the workplace is expanding rapidly. According to the report, three out of four workers (75%) are now using AI tools as part of their day-to-day tasks. This number has seen a remarkable jump, with nearly half (46%) of these employees starting to use AI within the last six months alone. Many workers report that AI has helped them manage the increasing volume and complexity of their workloads, with 68% admitting that they struggle to keep up with the pace of work. AI tools, such as generative models like ChatGPT, are especially useful for offloading routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more complex aspects of their roles.
The adoption of AI is not restricted to large enterprises. In fact, 78% of employees bring their own AI tools to the workplace, particularly in smaller businesses. However, while AI is viewed as a productivity booster, many workers express concerns about its impact on job security. More than half (53%) fear that their reliance on AI could make them appear dispensable, and 45% worry that AI could eventually replace their roles altogether.
Shifting Hiring Preferences: AI Skills Now Take Centre Stage
The growing importance of AI skills is fundamentally changing how businesses hire. The Microsoft and LinkedIn report indicates that 66% of business leaders would not hire someone without AI capabilities, while a significant 71% prefer to hire candidates who are proficient in AI, even if they have less experience. This marks a clear shift away from the traditional focus on experience and towards a greater emphasis on digital fluency, particularly in AI applications.
In recent years, the demand for AI roles has skyrocketed. Over the past eight years, the hiring rate for technical AI positions has increased by a staggering 323%. However, the latest trends suggest that companies are not just seeking AI experts but are increasingly looking for non-technical employees who can use AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to boost efficiency. This trend underscores the value of AI literacy across a range of industries, extending beyond traditional tech-focused positions.
| Key Findings from the 2024 Work Trend Index Report | Percentage (%) |
| Workers using AI in their roles | 75% |
| Workers who began using AI in the past six months | 46% |
| Workers concerned AI may replace their jobs | 45% |
| Business leaders unwilling to hire without AI skills | 66% |
| Leaders favouring AI-skilled candidates with less experience | 71% |
AI Skills Are in High Demand Across Industries
The demand for AI-qualified professionals is not limited to the tech industry. PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer found that roles requiring AI expertise are growing 3.5 times faster than all other job categories combined. Furthermore, AI specialist positions command a significant wage premium, with salaries in AI-focused roles being up to 25% higher than those in non-AI jobs. This wage boost is not limited to tech roles; professionals in fields such as law, sales, marketing, and accounting are also seeing the benefits of possessing AI skills.
The Emergence of AI Proficiency as a Career Advantage
As AI becomes an essential part of modern work, the demand for highly skilled workers who can leverage these technologies is on the rise. More than three-quarters of workers in the survey acknowledge that AI knowledge is now crucial for remaining competitive in the job market. A significant 69% believe that AI expertise can accelerate career progression, while 79% see it as a way to open up new job opportunities.
This shift is evident in the growing interest in AI-related education. In the past few months, there has been a 160% increase in the number of non-technical professionals engaging in LinkedIn Learning courses on AI, demonstrating that workers are eager to enhance their skills and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving job market.
