Business & Industry
Alyson Hwang
Research and Strategy Manager, Policy Connect
Penny Jones
Responsible AI Lead, Zurich Insurance UK
The workplace is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), evolving work arrangements and changing employee expectations.
By 2030, technology will fundamentally reshape how, where and why we work, creating both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
Digital inclusion as a priority
AI stands as the most transformative workplace trend, with 60% of employers expecting it to revolutionise their business operations by 2030. The fastest-growing roles include big data specialists, AI and machine learning engineers, fintech engineers and software developers, alongside green economy positions such as renewable energy and environmental engineers.1
However, this transformation demands a fundamental shift in workforce skills. Policy Connect’s recent ‘Skills in the Age of AI’ report emphasises that successful adaptation requires prioritising digital skills and inclusion across all AI policy frameworks.2
The research identified three critical areas: education and public communication, workforce digital skills development and regulatory safeguards to build societal confidence in AI adoption.
Human skills in AI era
Workers must develop not only technical AI literacy but also enhance uniquely human capabilities, including creative thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence and adaptability.
The transition to AI-enabled work creates potential inequities. AI adoption rates vary significantly by education level, with 42.8% of workers with advanced degrees working remotely compared to only 9.1% of high school graduates.3 This digital divide risks exacerbating existing workplace inequalities unless addressed through comprehensive upskilling initiatives and inclusive AI policy design.
AI stands as the most transformative workplace
trend, with 60% of employers expecting it to
revolutionise their business operations by 2030
Ethics at the forefront
The ethical use of AI Is at the forefront of Zurich’s strategy, and a Data and Responsible AI Commitment was updated in 2024. It focuses on transparency, accountability and fairness when using AI. Additionally, responsible AI Approach and AI Governance Guidelines have been developed to provide safeguards to colleagues. Looking ahead, the ambition is to ensure Zurich staff are prepared to thrive in an environment where AI augments human endeavours.
Penny Jones, Responsible AI lead, Zurich UK, commented: “As a major insurer, we are proud to be utilising AI and automation responsibly and ethically throughout different areas of the business. For our workforce, there has been a specific focus on helping to reskill colleagues in new areas and assisting apprentices with their first steps in work. AI skills and literacy continue to evolve, and we want to ensure that we support our workforce with these capabilities to ultimately deliver better outcomes.”
[1] WeForum (2025), Future of Jobs
[2] Policy Connect, (2025), Skills in the Age of AI
[3] BackLinkCo, (2025), 14 Remote Work Statistics
