With the rise of automation, there are growing concerns about job displacement and the need for individuals to upskill – quickly – to remain relevant in the workforce.

A report released by Goldman Sachs in March 2023 has estimated that AI capable of content generation could do a quarter of all the work currently done by humans.

A quarter!

In fact, the report further notes that, across the European Union and US, 300 million jobs could be lost to automation.

Reports like this will naturally feel daunting for us all.

However, before we all panic. It’s not all doom and gloom.

Experts confirm “there are still things AI isn’t capable of, such as tasks that involve distinctly human qualities, like emotional intelligence and outside-the-box thinking. And moving into roles that centre those skills could help lessen the chances of being replaced.”

Therefore, as we delve deeper into the realm of AI, it becomes increasingly clear that emotional intelligence (EI) is not only crucial but also an indispensable skill in this evolving landscape.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions while effectively navigating social interactions. And, in the current technological landscape, emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important as AI transforms the job market and the skills required to thrive in this environment.

AI is already being used to automate routine tasks, standard content creation and many decision-making processes, freeing up time for individuals to focus on more complex and creative work. However, as AI becomes more advanced, it will also begin to replace jobs that require cognitive skills such as data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making.

To remain relevant in the workforce, individuals will need to develop a set of skills that complement the technical skills of AI. Emotional intelligence is one such skill that can enhance human performance in the workplace. Research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence are more likely to be successful in their careers, have better relationships, and experience less stress and burnout.

Emotional intelligence can also complement the technical skills of AI by providing a human touch to interactions with customers and colleagues. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine customer inquiries, but they cannot provide the empathy and understanding that comes from human interaction.

The Intersection of Emotional Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence

While AI offers immense potential to automate tasks and provide efficient solutions, it lacks the innate human qualities of empathy, intuition, and emotional understanding. Emotional intelligence bridges this gap, enabling us to harness the power of AI while preserving the invaluable human touch.

Leading with Empathy:

In a world where machines handle an increasing number of routine tasks, human leaders must step up and focus on their unique strengths. Emotional intelligence empowers leaders to lead with empathy, understanding the emotional needs of their team members and providing the necessary support and guidance. AI can optimise processes and streamline operations, but it is emotional intelligence that inspires and motivates people, cultivating a positive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.

Enhancing Collaboration:

As AI systems continue to advance, collaborative efforts between humans and machines become increasingly common. Emotional intelligence facilitates effective collaboration by enabling individuals to understand and adapt to the emotional states of their colleagues, clients, or teammates. By leveraging empathy and effective communication skills, emotionally intelligent individuals can foster stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and build trust, thereby driving successful collaboration in an AI-driven world.

Customer-Centric Approach:

With the proliferation of AI, businesses have embraced automation to provide efficient and personalised customer experiences. However, no AI system can match the emotional connection that humans can establish with customers. Emotional intelligence equips individuals with the ability to recognise and respond to customers’ emotional cues, enabling them to provide exceptional customer service, empathise with their needs, and build long-lasting relationships.

The Vital Role of Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that provides individuals with the skills to recognise and manage their own emotional and mental health, as well as learning how to identify and respond to signs of poor mental health in those around them. Through MHFA, individuals gain a deeper understanding of mental health, foster greater levels of empathy and boost their emotional intelligence.

In addition to enhancing empathy, MHFA training plays a vital role in building resilience. Participants learn valuable techniques to effectively manage stress and provide support to individuals facing mental health challenges. By acquiring these skills, individuals develop emotional resilience, enabling them to adapt to change, cope with the demands of the modern workplace, and maintain their own mental wellbeing.

One of the many remarkable benefits of MHFA training is its impact on workplace culture. By creating a safe and supportive environment, organisations that prioritise MHFA foster a sense of value and belonging among their employees. This empathetic and inclusive culture contributes to improved job satisfaction, higher levels of engagement, and increased productivity. When individuals feel supported, they are more likely to thrive in their roles, leading to a more harmonious and successful workplace.

MHFA training goes beyond personal development—it has the power to positively influence entire organisations. By equipping individuals with these vital skills, organisations can cultivate a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing and supports the emotional needs of their employees. This, in turn, promotes greater job satisfaction, reduces stigma around mental health, and fosters a more compassionate and understanding environment.

Why is MHFA essential in this modern AI-infused world?

As the world embraces the era of advancing AI, emotional intelligence emerges as a vital skill that complements the capabilities of AI systems. Emotional intelligence enables us to forge meaningful connections, lead with empathy, and provide exceptional customer experiences, enhancing the value of human interaction in an increasingly automated world.

EI is incomplete without MHFA

If you are unable to recognise and effectively respond effectively to emotional distress in those around you, your emotional intelligence skills are incomplete. And, an employee with MHFA-informed emotional intelligence skills will be able to navigate emotionally-charged situations in ways that robots cannot.

If someone is having a panic attack, it takes emotional intelligence to navigate this without making it worse.

If someone has lost a loved one and can’t find the words to express how they feel – it takes emotional intelligence to provide comfort.

And, if someone is feeling low and considering their options in life – it takes emotional intelligence to step in and support at the right time, in the right way.

A robot can’t do this.

In the face of these challenging workplace shifts, learning how to effectively manage your own mental health and wellbeing becomes paramount. By recognising mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and nurturing resilience, individuals with MHFA skills can contribute to creating a supportive environment in the age of AI.

Our upcoming MHFA Course

If you are interested in developing your emotional intelligence and learning essential Mental Health First Aid skills, we invite you to join our upcoming MHFA course.

This comprehensive training program will equip you with the knowledge and tools to support others and foster emotional wellbeing in an AI-driven world.

Together, let us build a future where technology and emotional intelligence co-exist harmoniously for the benefit of us all.

Learn more about Rebecca Reed, founder of Siendo

Find out more about Rebecca Reed, and the multitude of ways that Siendo can help you to build happy, healthy and high-performing cultures.

For more actionable tips and advice on how to improve staff wellbeing and reduce turnover, check out Siendo’s latest white paper:

“Do your employees know you care? How to build an empathetic work culture, support employee wellbeing, and retain your organisation’s greatest assets: your people”.