In a rapidly evolving job market shaped by technological transformation, the most sought-after employees are no longer just those with technical know-how, but those who can actively shape how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the workplace. According to a new survey by Experis, based on the global ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, employees who can understand business needs and propose ways to leverage AI effectively are becoming increasingly valuable.

HR Leading the Way in AI Integration

Among business sectors, Human Resources (HR) is currently one of the most advanced in integrating AI technologies. In Greece, 40% of organizations are already using AI tools in HR operations, compared to 53% globally. Asia leads the global adoption of AI for tasks such as recruitment, onboarding, and employee training, with 37% of organizations utilizing AI for these purposes.

Human Skills That AI Can’t Replace

While AI tools are reshaping processes, employers—especially in Greece—are clear about the human qualities that remain irreplaceable. Strategic thinking (33%), team management (31%), and communication skills (30%) are seen as the top capabilities that AI cannot replicate. Globally, ethical judgment (33%) ranks highest, followed by customer service (31%) and team management (30%).

Greek employers believe that strengthening these soft skills is key to maintaining a competitive workforce. At the same time, job candidates are encouraged to continuously upskill in AI to remain relevant in increasingly tech-enhanced work environments.

Sector-Specific Priorities

The importance of uniquely human skills varies by industry:

  • In Technology, 44% of employers highlight ethical judgment as the top skill AI cannot replace.
  • In Energy and Utilities, 36% prioritize strategic thinking.
  • In Communication Services, nearly half (48%) emphasize communication skills as irreplaceable.

These insights underline that while AI can optimize efficiency, it cannot replace human judgment, creativity, and interpersonal capabilities.

Barriers to AI Adoption in Greece

Despite growing acceptance, the road to AI integration in Greek businesses faces challenges:

  • High investment cost is cited by 35% of organizations as the main obstacle (up from 34% last year).
  • Data privacy and security concerns are gaining prominence, now a concern for 34% of businesses (up from 31% in 2024).
  • Lack of specialized skills within existing teams is another key issue, cited by 34% of employers (compared to 35% last year and 30% globally).

These hurdles reflect the need for strategic planning, employee training, and careful implementation to make the most of AI tools.

Growing Acceptance of AI in Recruitment

A notable finding is the increasing acceptance of AI tools by job candidates themselves during the hiring process. In both Greece and worldwide, 85% of employers now find it acceptable for applicants to use AI at some stage of their job search.

In Greece, the most widely accepted AI uses by candidates include:

  • Researching information about the company (36%)
  • Finding suitable roles or companies (31%)
  • Preparing for interviews (29%)

Employers in the Finance and Real Estate sectors are the most open to AI use by candidates (91%), followed closely by those in Industry and Construction (89%) and Transport and Supply Chain (87%).

However, employers who have not yet adopted AI in their own recruitment practices are generally less receptive to its use by candidates, revealing a disconnect that could impact hiring strategies.

Confidence Among Workers Remains High

Despite the rapid changes, most workers remain confident in their ability to adapt. According to ManpowerGroup’s 2024 Talent Barometer:

  • 87% of employees report moderate to high confidence in meeting job requirements.
  • 78% believe they have access to the right technology and tools for effective work.

Alexandra Levti, a futurist at ManpowerGroup, emphasizes that succeeding in the AI era requires career durability. This involves a balanced mix of technical and interpersonal skills, organizational knowledge, applied technology capabilities, and a growth mindset.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

To ensure successful AI integration, businesses are encouraged to:

  • Focus on developing non-automatable skills
  • Educate employees on AI technologies
  • Implement small-scale pilot AI projects as a stepping stone toward broader adoption