Every Business Wants More People to Do ‘X’
Let’s face it, AI and automation are changing everything about how we work. But here’s the thing: while robots handle the boring stuff, the real question is what your people should do instead. That’s the ‘X’ factor, the valuable work that actually moves your business forward.
What Happens to People When the Robots Arrive?
When automation shows up, it doesn’t have to mean job cuts. More often, it means job transformation. Roles evolve. Responsibilities shift. According to McKinsey, as AI takes over predictable tasks, businesses will face major workforce transitions, requiring employees to develop new skills and take on more strategic roles.
McKinsey & Company: The future of work
Here’s what that evolution can look like in real-world terms:
What Should Your People Do Instead?
1. Make Better Decisions Using Data.
When data entry and routine reporting are automated, employees can shift to analyzing patterns, forecasting outcomes, and helping shape strategy. Sales teams, for example, can evolve from order-takers into client strategists, identifying growth opportunities rather than just inputting numbers.
2. Solve Problems Creatively.
Customer service teams no longer need to answer the same five questions every day. AI can do that. Instead, these employees can become innovation teams, running workshops, improving customer journeys, and proactively solving pain points that build long-term loyalty.
3. Build Deeper Human Connections.
Automation can remove the paperwork, but it can’t replace human empathy. HR professionals, for instance, can move from compliance checklists to roles that support mental wellness, company culture, and employee engagement, key areas that impact retention and satisfaction.
4. Learn and Grow Continuously.
As automation reshapes production lines and workflows, businesses have the chance to upskill their workforce. Former task-based roles can evolve into technical oversight, systems thinking, and cross-functional coaching, roles that not only support automation, but expand it.
5. Break Down Department Silos.
With AI taking care of content creation, forecasting, or financial modeling, cross-functional collaboration becomes easier. Teams can spend more time working together across departments, creating unified solutions rather than siloed outputs. That collaboration speeds up innovation cycles and aligns efforts across the business.
How to Make This Shift Without the Pain
Start with an Honest Skills Assessment
Before moving anyone into a new role, take stock of current skills, interests, and potential. Design personalized learning paths and offer low-stakes environments, like sandbox projects or learning pods, for people to test out new responsibilities.
Set Clear Expectations
Job descriptions should evolve too. Instead of task lists, focus on outcomes, strategic goals, and innovation metrics. Update compensation to reflect contribution, not just completion.
Build Strong Support Systems
Change can be uncomfortable. Make it easier with transition mentors, peer learning groups, and clear communication. When people feel supported and confident, they’re far more likely to succeed in a new role, and stay with your company long term.
Your Competitive Advantage
As AI takes over the routine, your competitive advantage lies in what your people do next. Whether it’s strategy, creativity, empathy, or collaboration, defining your company’s unique ‘X’ will be the difference between just keeping up, or leaping ahead.
The businesses winning today aren’t just investing in tech. They’re reimagining human potential.
At ATiiD, we help businesses navigate this transformation by integrating AI with smart, people-centered strategies that unlock true potential.