“The key to preparing for the future of work is to develop skills that are difficult to automate, such as creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence”

As someone who has spent his career transforming businesses through innovation, it should be no surprise that Deepesh Banerji has some strident opinions when it comes to the future of work. So, we’re delighted that he took the time out to answer our questions.

This is part of our “Future of work” series, where we ask prominent thinkers, futurists, CEOs and influencers how they think work will change. How will AI impact the workforce? What skills do people need to add to their armoury?

But first, we like to get to know our interviewees a little better…

What was your first role in tech, and what is your current role today?

Previously I was the Chief Product & Technology Officer at Australia’s first digital wallet, Beem It, a fintech startup joint venture between Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB, where I led the development of the product. I’ve also been the VP of Product at CBS, the iconic US media business, leading a five-year turnaround in its digital sports division. Before that, I was a General Manager at Everyday Health, a health media business.

Currently, I lead the design, engineering, and product team as the Senior Vice President of Technology and Product at Deputy. In my role at Deputy, I lead technical development and innovation for our platform, ensuring we deliver the best user experience to our customers.

For those who don’t know Deputy already, can you give a brief description?

Deputy is changing the way people plan and manage their work life. Deputy automates tasks, lowers the costs associated with people management and keeps businesses compliant with evolving workplace laws.

Who are some people in tech you find inspiring, and why?

I love to consume content related to my craft. My favourite books include The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore and Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Podcasts I listen to include: How I Built This with Guy Raz, SaaStr with Jason Lemkin, Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman and Software Engineering Daily.

What jobs do you think AI might replace?

It’s important to note that while AI has the potential to automate some jobs, it may also create new jobs and opportunities in other areas. The key to preparing for the future of work is to develop skills that are difficult to automate, such as creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Already we are seeing artificial intelligence play a role in industries like:

• Transportation: Self-driving vehicles and drones are already being developed and tested. 
• Manufacturing: AI-powered robots can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks in manufacturing plants, such as assembling and packaging products.
• Customer service: Chatbots and virtual assistants can already answer basic customer queries, and they are becoming more sophisticated.
• Data entry and analysis: AI algorithms can process and analyse large amounts of data much faster than humans.
• Healthcare: AI is already being used to help diagnose diseases and develop treatment plans. 

What are the major factors influencing the future of work?

That’s a big question, so I’m going to have to split my answer across five categories!

Technology 

Advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics are transforming the workplace and changing the nature of work. New technologies are enabling new business models and changing the skills required for many jobs.

The big shift in who makes up the workforce

The workforce is becoming more diverse, with more women, older workers and immigrants joining the labour market. This is changing the way work is organised and the types of benefits and policies that are needed to support workers.

Local is now the new global 

The rise of global trade and the increasing interconnectedness of economies affect how work is organised and where jobs are located. Many companies are now operating in multiple countries and relying on remote and virtual teams.

The rapidly changing nature of the environment

The need to address climate change is affecting the types of available jobs and the skills required for those jobs. This includes jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental engineering.

Politics and society’s values

Changes in social attitudes and political policies are affecting the way work is organised and the types of benefits and protections that are available to workers. This includes minimum wage laws, labour rights, and diversity and inclusion.

Which tech skills will be in most demand over the next 12 months? And ten years?

Again, that’s a big question. My best answer is via a table…

What fields of work or industries do you think will accelerate because of technology?

Retail, healthcare, transportation, education, finance and logistics are key industries that are set to experience acceleration at a pace never seen before due to technology. The innovations will specifically be focused on making life and work more efficient, convenient, flexible, connected, automated and cost-effective.

More “Future of Work” interviews… and get involved!

Our thanks to Deepesh for taking the time to share his thoughts on the future of work. For more predictions, read on:

• Benjamin Taylor, organisational consultant. “This morning at Heathrow Airport I saw a cleaning bot stuck on a rubber line on the floor. In what world is it better to have £30K robots than humans?”
• Carmen Vicelich, serial entrepreneur. “Emerging markets will leapfrog some more mature markets through rapid digitisation”
• Philip Ross, author, futurist and CEO of Ungroup and Cordless Group: “The office of 2033 will become a more social, healthier, more sentient, elastic, digital, personalised, shared and purposeful space”
• Duena Blomstrom, author and CEO of PeopleNotTech. “Jobs of the future? Chief Psychological Safety Officers will be in, bureaucrats will be out.”
• Fazilat Damani, Chief Experience Officer at Design for Good. “AI won’t completely replace jobs, but rather evolve them.”
• Jimmy Lee, technologist and CEO of Nirovision. “The work each individual carries out will evolve to use AI copilots, but I’m hopeful that this makes the work even more productive, creative and gratifying!”
• Tony Hallett, MD of Collective Content. “The part of society most impacted by technology will be the world’s middle classes.”
• Colin Fraser, Founder and Managing Director at Nevis Capital. “Professionals who can ‘supercharge’ themselves with AI tools will win big in our new world.”

If you have something to say about the future of work, please email us at [email protected].

Read next: How the world of work will look in 2030 by futurist Nicole Kobie