Page 61 - ALEF EDUCATION PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

12/13/23, 1:12 PM Future of work: 24 leaders reveal key trends that will define 2024 in the Middle East - Fast Company Middle East | The future of t…
solely on competitive compensation packages and old-fashioned
loyalty to attract and retain top staff.”

Mohammad Ballout, CEO, Kitopi

“A significant trend reshaping how we work is the adoption of

flexible work. What we considered a temporary adjustment due to

the pandemic accelerated the shift towards hybrid work. Alongside
this shift, there is a new set of skills in demand. Navigating digital

tools for remote collaboration has become as crucial as the work.
Video calls, project management apps, and virtual collaboration

spaces are the new norm, pushing everyone to adapt and learn on the

go. In this whirlwind of change – the way we work is becoming
more flexible, tech-savvy, and, in a way, more human as we navigate

this new era together.

We’re moving towards a workplace where smart machines

seamlessly handle routine tasks, freeing up our time for more
creative and meaningful interactions – think virtual assistants

powered by AI, ready to assist with questions and problem-solving,
making our work smoother. We’re eager to explore innovations that

enhance customer interactions but approach them carefully.”

Patrick Chalhoub, Group President, Chalhoub Group

“Technology is developing extremely fast. There are many jobs

today that will be taken over by AI. We have not seen such a good
employment rate in places like the US, France, Europe, and Asia. AI

may be replacing some jobs but also creating several new ones.

People need to evolve and learn new skills. We have to use AI in the
best possible way. We must continue developing our people to

ensure we continue the learning and developing drive so people are
repurposed for future skills. As a test, we’re automating one of our

warehouse assembly units; this would impact the jobs of nearly 30-

40 people in the assembly unit. Does that mean we fire the labor
force? No, we provide them more challenging roles where they can

use their creativity and passion. World leaders need to collaborate
and control certain excesses related to AI.”

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