Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global workplace, with automation increasingly reshaping job structures across multiple sectors. While this shift is creating new opportunities, it is also raising concerns about potential job displacement. A study by the United States-based AI organisation GoHumanize highlights that certain human-centred skills are likely to remain resilient over the next decade.
The study estimates that nearly 25% of jobs worldwide could become automated within the next ten years. Although AI systems are already capable of performing tasks such as coding, data analysis, content creation, and various administrative functions, they still lack human judgement, empathy, and the ability to build complex social relationships.
The research evaluated individual skills based on employer demand in job advertisements, their importance in the labour market, and the likelihood of being replaced by automation. The findings indicate that leadership, emotional understanding, and the ability to manage complex social interactions are among the most secure skill areas.
Key Skills and Human Dependence
Leadership ranks as the most secure skill. Although approximately 31% of leadership-related tasks can be automated, the core human elements—such as trust-building, situational awareness, and interpersonal judgement—remain beyond the capability of machines. As a result, leadership received a human dependence score of 93 out of 100. The study notes that roles such as chief executives, educational heads, military officers, and senior managers require strong human judgement and relational skills.
The second most secure skill is teamwork and collaboration. Around 4 million job advertisements currently highlight teamwork as a key requirement. The study emphasises that effective collaboration extends beyond task distribution and includes understanding colleagues’ emotional states, adapting communication styles, and building long-term trust. This complexity results in a human dependence score of 79.
Negotiation skills rank third, with approximately 2.8 million job advertisements requiring them. While AI can assist in information gathering and preparation, successful negotiation still relies heavily on human abilities such as interpreting body language, understanding tone of voice, building trust, and responding to emotional shifts in real time. This skill received a score of 89.
Coaching and mentoring are also identified as relatively secure. These skills are particularly important in leadership, education, sports, and human resource management. The study notes that understanding whether an individual is underperforming due to lack of knowledge, confidence, or emotional support requires nuanced human judgement that remains difficult for AI systems.
Public speaking appears among the top five skills. Approximately 2.5 million job advertisements emphasise communication and presentation abilities. The study states that confidence, personality, and credibility in public speaking cannot yet be fully replicated by machines.
Top Ten Skills Overview
| Skill Area | Human Dependence Score | Supporting Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | 93 | Trust-building and judgement remain human-led |
| Negotiation | 89 | Requires emotional and behavioural interpretation |
| Teamwork | 79 | Involves emotional and social coordination |
| Coaching & Mentoring | Not specified | Requires individual psychological understanding |
| Public Speaking | Not specified | Relies on confidence and credibility |
| Organisational Leadership | Not specified | Strategic human decision-making |
| People Management | Not specified | Employee coordination and oversight |
| Emotional Intelligence | Not specified | Understanding human emotions |
| Interpersonal Skills | Not specified | Relationship-building ability |
| Change Management | Not specified | Managing organisational transitions |
Other skills within the top ten include organisational leadership, people management, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and change management.
The founder of GoHumanize stated that long-term career security may require a reassessment of current educational priorities. According to the findings, universities continue to place strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. However, many of these technology-driven roles are also among those most likely to be automated in the future.
