As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, the way we work is undergoing a significant transformation. With the rise of agentic AI—systems that act autonomously—and the potential development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), industries and workers face new challenges and opportunities.
We spoke with Arjun Bhalla, an expert in AI technology, business strategy, and workforce innovation, to explore how the future of work will change, the impact on jobs, and how workers can adapt in this AI-driven era.
The Changing Nature of Work: With the advancement of AI, particularly agentic AI and AGI, how do you envision the future of work?
Arjun Bhalla: The future of work will see AI integrated into many industries, automating routine tasks and streamlining complex processes. AI tools will be vital in software and product development, where they can rapidly analyze large datasets, debug code, and even assist in prototyping and design. In the future, AI will assist human workers in making decisions based on data-driven insights, while humans will focus on creative, strategic, and relational tasks—areas where AI is still limited. AI will essentially act as an augmentation tool, increasing efficiency while enabling humans to work on tasks requiring empathy, innovation, and critical thinking.
AI and Job Displacement: As AI becomes more autonomous, many are worried about job displacement. Do you think AI and AGI will put human jobs at risk?
Arjun Bhalla: While it’s true that some jobs—especially those involving repetitive or manual tasks—may be at risk, AI will also create new roles. For example, jobs related to managing and optimizing AI tools, developing new algorithms, or overseeing ethical considerations in AI development will become increasingly important. In software and product development, AI will not replace human developers but will instead help automate many aspects of the coding process. AI’s ability to quickly identify errors or optimize designs will allow developers to focus more on the creative aspects of their work. Therefore, while certain jobs may evolve or disappear, many new opportunities will emerge, particularly in the fields of AI development, integration, and management.
Upskilling for the AI-Driven Future: How can workers upskill to remain relevant as AI continues to change the landscape?
Arjun Bhalla: The key is to upskill in areas that AI can’t easily replicate. For those in software and product development, a solid understanding of AI tools and data science will be essential. Learning how to use AI platforms to enhance code quality, improve efficiency, and create innovative products will be crucial. Additionally, workers should focus on soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership. AI will be a tool to assist with tasks like data analysis or debugging, but it’s the human touch that will drive the creative and strategic direction. Workers should also embrace lifelong learning to stay updated with the latest AI advancements and new tools that emerge regularly.
Preparing Companies for an AI-Enhanced Workforce: How should organizations prepare for the workforce of the future, where AI plays a central role?
Arjun Bhalla: Companies need to invest in AI education and reskilling programs to prepare their workforce for the future. In software and product development, AI tools are already changing how companies build and maintain products. For example, AI can assist in customer feedback analysis, predict product trends, and even improve user experience design. Organizations should encourage their employees to learn how to use these AI tools to enhance their own work, from automating mundane tasks to analyzing complex data. Companies should also focus on fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability to ensure their workforce can collaborate effectively with AI systems.
The Hybrid Future of Work: What does the broader future of work look like with the rise of agentic AI and AGI?
Arjun Bhalla: The future of work will likely be a hybrid model, where AI handles repetitive, data-heavy tasks, and humans focus on higher-level, creative, and strategic work. AI will be deeply embedded in product development, enhancing everything from coding to market analysis and design. The workplace itself may become more virtual, with AI facilitating seamless collaboration across remote teams. In this environment, flexibility and continuous learning will be key, as workers will need to adapt to constantly evolving AI tools and platforms. Ultimately, the future will be about AI complementing human capabilities rather than replacing them.
Conclusion
The future of work, shaped by AI and AGI, will be defined by collaboration between humans and intelligent systems. AI will revolutionize industries like software and product development, allowing for greater efficiency, innovation, and customization. While some jobs may be displaced, new opportunities will emerge, particularly in AI management and development. For workers to thrive, continuous upskilling, adaptability, and an embrace of AI tools will be essential. As AI evolves, so too will the roles of human workers—focusing on creativity, leadership, and strategic decision-making in an increasingly automated world.
