The messages for leaders Act now. People not jobs. This isn’t about some ‘far future’ of work – change is Organisations can’t protect jobs which are made redundant already happening, and accelerating. by technology – but they do have a responsibility to their people. Protect people not jobs. Nurture agility, No regrets and bets. adaptability and re-skilling. The future isn’t a fixed destination. Plan for a dynamic Build a clear narrative. rather than a static future. You’ll need to recognise multiple and evolving scenarios. Make ‘no regrets’ moves A third of workers are anxious about the future and their that work with most scenarios – but you’ll need to make job due to automation – an anxiety that kills confidence some ‘bets’ too. and the willingness to innovate. How your employees feel affects the business today – so start a mature conversation Make a bigger leap. about the future. Don’t be constrained by your starting point. You might need a more radical change than just a small step away from where you are today. Own the automation debate. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will affect every level of the business and its people. It’s too important an issue to leave to IT (or HR) alone. A depth of understanding and keen insight into the changing technology landscape is a must. 5