In the bustling corridors of India’s tech ecosystem—from Bengaluru’s innovation hubs to Mumbai’s financial centres—a profound transformation is underway. In today’s hyper-digital economy, where machines are rapidly mastering logic and language, Indian HR leaders are placing their bets on something paradoxically human: the art of communication and the science of artificial intelligence.
A fresh LinkedIn survey highlights a compelling trend: a striking 84% of HR professionals across India are prioritising upskilling initiatives focused on two seemingly opposite but deeply interconnected skill sets—AI expertise and soft skills. As companies race to embed AI in their DNA, they face a paradox: while machines grow smarter, the demand for distinctly human traits like communication, creativity, and collaboration has never been greater. This dual emphasis marks a crucial strategic shift—far more than a fashionable trend, it’s a vital imperative for organisations navigating the complex intersection of technology and human capital in the future of work.
The Talent Crunch Nobody Predicted
Artificial intelligence adoption has surged across sectors, with 98% of Indian business leaders recognising AI as a strategic priority. Yet, this rapid adoption has exposed a stark reality: over half of recruiters report that fewer than 50% of job applicants meet the qualifications required for these evolving roles. The shortage is most acute in technical capabilities — only 44% of recruiters find enough candidates with core software development skills, and an even smaller 34% find those proficient in AI-specific technologies like Python, TensorFlow, and large language models.
But the challenge goes beyond technical expertise. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can also think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively. “The future workforce isn’t just about coding skills,” explained a senior HR executive at a Bengaluru fintech startup. “It’s about people who can interpret data insights, influence strategy, and work empathetically alongside AI systems.”
Why AI and Soft Skills Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Historically, organisations treated technical skills training and soft skills development as parallel but separate tracks. However, today’s hybrid work environments, where AI tools are embedded into everyday workflows, demand a more integrated approach. For example, knowing how to operate AI-powered dashboards or manage virtual teams requires both technical acumen and refined interpersonal skills.
Industry giants such as Infosys, TCS, and HCLTech are spearheading this blended learning approach, offering programmes that combine AI literacy with communication, creativity, and leadership training. This signals a broader shift in hiring and development practices: being technically competent alone no longer guarantees success. “You need to be fluent in code and conversation,” noted Ruchee Anand, LinkedIn’s India Country Head for Talent & Learning Solutions.
HR’s Great Reset: Hiring for Potential, Training for Precision
This evolving landscape has prompted a reset in talent acquisition philosophies. Traditional markers like degrees and years of experience are giving way to skills-first hiring, with 50% of hirers now focusing heavily on demonstrable competencies. Soft skills such as storytelling, negotiation, and adaptability have become just as crucial as certifications in AI or data science.
Moreover, advancements in AI-powered recruitment tools, such as LinkedIn Recruiter 2025, are streamlining candidate screening, enabling HR teams to invest more time in human-centric functions like mentoring and culture-building. According to LinkedIn’s report, 82% of HR leaders are now dedicating resources to nurture these “human” skills alongside technical training.
Beyond Buzzwords: Upskilling as a Strategic Imperative
Upskilling is no longer a checkbox exercise but a strategic imperative linked directly to business outcomes. Organisations that embed continuous learning into their culture report enhanced agility, innovation, and leadership development. Tata Consultancy Services, for instance, has seen over 460,000 employees engage with AI and communication courses on LinkedIn Learning, with a 60% completion rate for AI content alone.
Companies investing in blended learning models also reap financial rewards. LinkedIn data reveals that 51% of firms employing generative AI technologies reported revenue growth exceeding 10% in the past two years, underscoring the business case for building AI-capable and communicative teams.
The Indian Advantage: A Culture of Curiosity and Growth
India’s youthful, tech-savvy workforce is a unique asset. There’s a palpable hunger for growth, reflected in a 37% year-on-year increase in consumption of learning content — significantly above global averages. From startups in Hyderabad to multinational corporations in Gurgaon, the appetite for acquiring both AI fluency and human skills is robust.
However, experts caution that isolated training won’t suffice. Ben Eubanks, CEO of Lighthouse Research & Advisory, argues that employees learn best through immersive experiences like mentorships, stretch assignments, and internal mobility programmes. Such approaches convert raw potential into practical expertise, ensuring that India’s workforce remains competitive globally.
The Future Is Human, Amplified by AI
As India races towards an AI-enabled future, the lesson from HR leaders is clear: technology and humanity must advance hand in hand. While 84% of HR professionals champion upskilling in AI and soft skills alike, the broader vision is a workforce capable of harnessing AI’s transformative power without losing the empathy, creativity, and communication that define human interaction.
In this new era, the best teams won’t be those with the smartest algorithms alone but those blending AI prowess with storytelling, emotional intelligence, and strategic insight. For Indian professionals and organisations alike, mastering this balance is the key to thriving in 2025 and beyond.
Source – https://www.bwpeople.in/article/why-indias-hr-heads-are-betting-big-on-ai-and-soft-skills-556971