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Future-proofing the workforce: why evolving skills matter more than ever

 

We explore why evolving skills, AI literacy, and lifelong learning are essential to thrive in the future of work.

Ben Auty,
Organisation and Capability Director
Last updated: 25 June 2025
4 min read

 

I’ve seen first-hand how rapidly the world of work is changing. From the rise of AI to the shift in customer expectations, the skills that once defined success are no longer enough. The future of work isn't just coming; it’s here. And it demands a new mindset, new capabilities, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The changing landscape of work

The UK labour market is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)1, digitalisation, demographic shifts, and sustainability goals are reshaping jobs across industries. In banking, for example, automation is streamlining operations, while customer service is becoming more personalised and tech-driven.

Globally, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 20252 reveals that 39% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030. This is a slight decrease from 44% in 2023, suggesting that while disruption remains high, organisations and employees are becoming more proactive in upskilling and reskilling. Encouragingly, 50% of workers globally have completed training as part of long-term learning strategies, up from 41% in 2023.

Skills are becoming outdated faster than ever. In some tech roles, a skill’s value can drop by half in less than five years. This means what someone learned five years ago might not be useful today. Staying ahead means constantly learning and adapting.

The skills of tomorrow

So, what are the skills that will define the next decade?

According to the World Economic Forum, some of the top skills for 2025 and beyond include:

Artificial intelligence literacy and collaboration

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in financial services, the ability of our colleagues to understand, interpret, and effectively collaborate with AI systems is becoming essential. 

We’re reimagining our business based on the potential of AI, enabling customers and colleagues to fully embrace this game-changing technology. This growing skillset is not only shaping the future of work within Lloyds Banking Group but is also increasing the quality and speed of service we provide to our customers.

By equipping our teams with strong AI literacy, we ensure that decisions are better informed, more efficient, and more responsive to customer needs. With GenAI, we have the opportunity to reimagine the customer experience, making it more secure, seamless, and tailored to individual needs so that people and businesses can achieve better financial outcomes.

Critical thinking and innovation to solve complex problems

While AI and technology enhance how we work, they can’t solve every customer problem. That’s why human skills like analytical thinking, creativity, and sound judgment remain essential.

As technology evolves, our ability to interpret complex information, solve nuanced problems, and make thoughtful decisions ensures we deliver solutions that are not only efficient but genuinely customer-focused. These skills allow us to go beyond what AI can offer, providing the empathy, context, and analytical thinking our customers rely on.

Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility

In a world of constant disruption and uncertainty, looking after your own wellbeing is not just important — it’s essential. Building resilience, managing stress, and staying flexible helps ensure someone is ready to adapt, make sound decisions, and support others effectively.

By taking this care, individuals are better equipped to face challenges with clarity and confidence, and to thrive in an environment where change is the only constant.

 

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Investing in growing our skills 

74% of Gen Z and Millennials say they would leave an employer that doesn’t support their development, so we know how vital it is to create an environment where learning is continuous and meaningful. That’s why at Lloyds Banking Group, our 'Faster Forward' employee value proposition is all about helping colleagues grow, thrive, and build the skills they need for the future.

To support this, we’ve launched Viva Learning to integrate learning into the Microsoft 365 suite, enhancing the learning experience for colleagues. We are running the Cambridge Spark Programme with our Senior Leadership Team to help leaders leverage AI, in addition to using Machine Learning and AI to recommend personalised learning paths for colleagues and to identify related skill sets.

 

Building AI expertise

Katie, who leads strategic AI initiatives at Lloyds Banking Group’s AI Centre of Excellence, built her expertise through hands-on roles and self-taught skills rather than a traditional academic path. Her journey—from credit risk analytics to GenAI leadership—highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Read Katie's story

Empowering individuals to take charge of their development

Ultimately, the responsibility for staying relevant lies with each of us. Whether someone is a graduate, a mid-career professional, or nearing retirement, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is our greatest asset.

A few things to consider include:

  • Committing to lifelong learning by setting regular goals to expand skills, and using challenges as fuel to build resilience and keep progressing.
  • Staying curious, exploring new technologies and trends beyond someone's comfort zone, helping them adapt and grow through uncertainty.
  • Building adaptability and resilience by taking on unfamiliar tasks, and remembering that we're not doing it alone. Networks are there to lean on for support, feedback, and shared learning.

The future of work is not a distant concept - it’s unfolding around us every day. Everyone should embrace this change with curiosity and courage. Because the real risk isn’t that jobs will disappear - it’s that we won’t be ready for the ones that emerge.    

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Ben Auty
About the author Ben Auty

Ben Auty, Organisation and Capability Director, Lloyds Banking Group

Ben has been a senior leader with Lloyds Banking Group for 17 years having joined initially as a Graduate trainee. He’s worked in a wide variety of roles throughout the business, from organisational design and effectiveness to client servicing within our commercial business.

With a personal passion for learning, Ben’s role is focussed on building skills and future capabilities and ensuring Lloyds Banking Group is organised for success. 

Ben is a history graduate and Cambridge alumni with a passion for the arts, literature and travel.

Follow Ben on LinkedIn.

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