A new report revealed that Gen Z professionals in India exhibit a heightened enthusiasm for acquiring Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills compared to their older counterparts. This demographic invests a remarkable 73 per cent more time in learning AI skills, according to a report released on Tuesday. LinkedIn, a prominent global professional networking platform, revealed that Gen Z individuals dedicated 1.3 times more time to AI learning than Generation X and an impressive 2.4 times more time than baby boomers.
This trend underscores the distinctive eagerness of the younger generation to embrace and master AI technologies, positioning them as key contributors to the evolving landscape of professional skills in India.
The report also revealed that global AI conversations shot up by a solid 70 per cent from December 2022 to September 2023.
In India, preferred skills among learners vary across generations: While Gen Z is learning digital skills like Programming Languages, Cloud Computing, and Data Analysis, Millennials and Gen X are investing in soft skills like Leadership and Management, Personal Effectiveness, and Personal Development.
"Upskilling is no longer just an option, it's imperative, with a renewed focus on cultivating vital human skills like leadership and problem-solving to harness AI's full potential," Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager, LinkedIn India, was quoted as saying, in a statement.
With AI taking over routine tasks, professionals have the opportunity to focus on other types of meaningful and creative work requiring soft skills that only people have. The report showed that across APAC, tech professionals who have developed one or more soft skills -- in addition to hard skills -- get promoted over 13 per cent faster than employees who only have hard skills.
In India, the most demanded soft skills by AI and AI-related job postings include communication, analytical skills, and sales. As developments in generative AI offer a massive opportunity to break down barriers across cultures, geographies and industries, it's widening the scope for hybrid work settings. Organisations are already responding to the demand for flexibility, with hybrid job posts in India up from 13.2 per cent in August 2022 to 20.1 per cent in August 2023, the report noted.