LinkedIn’s first Work Change Snapshot shows a rapidly evolving UK workforce, with one in ten global hires in 2024 occupying roles that did not exist in 2000.

Job titles such as AI Engineer and Sustainability Manager are among those reflecting the increased demand for new skills in a changing business environment. This shift in workforce demands is mirrored by the fast-paced development of technologies like artificial intelligence, which are reshaping job roles and skills requirements across various sectors.

In the UK, nearly 74 percent of business leaders report an accelerating pace of change at work, fuelled by technological advancements. Although 80 percent of UK business leaders see AI’s potential to enhance team performance, only 8 percent believe their organisations are currently leading in AI adoption.

Demands on HR Teams to Support Workplace Adaptation

With businesses striving to adapt to these developments, HR teams are increasingly relied upon to guide organisations through these transitions. More than half (51 percent) of UK HR professionals report that workplace expectations have reached an all-time high as they help businesses navigate this changing landscape.

However, the additional responsibilities are creating challenges. Over a third (35%) of HR professionals in the UK feel overwhelmed by the volume of decisions they face daily, and 15 percent spend up to a quarter of their week gathering necessary information and insights to manage these shifts effectively.

Janine Chamberlin, LinkedIn’s UK Country Manager, said, “The one thing we can count on in today’s workplace is change. The modern workplace is constantly evolving. And while new technologies such as AI hold great potential to improve our day-to-day work, many businesses are still figuring out how to maximise that potential.

“HR teams have a depth of knowledge and insight, and it’s great to see business leaders leaning on their HR teams to understand where the opportunities and the challenges are. However, these teams need to be equipped with the right tools, resources and training so they can effectively guide their organisations through these workplace shifts.”