Employee Reskilling and Upskilling Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Strategic Human Resource Management Perspective

Abstract

The fast pace of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, machine learning, and digital technologies is reshaping the way we define and look for workforce needs and changing our approach towards talent management in an organization. The aim of the study is to explore employee reskilling and upskilling strategies through a Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) lens with a focus on its importance for organisations to adapt to the AI-driven change of the workplace. The study reviews current academic and industry publications in the last seven years (2019-2026) using a qualitative and literature-based research approach, to determine emerging trends in the workforce, critical competencies, and effective learning strategies. The results indicate that digital literacy, data analytics, awareness of AI, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are becoming important skills for organizations to ensure that their workforce is ready to meet the challenges of the modern workplace. The role of strategic HRM in the promotion of continuous learning cultures, linking training to organisational goals and sustaining competitive advantage are all important. The study finds that the success of AI adoption is not only about investing in technology, but also about ongoing training and development of the workforce with carefully planned reskilling and upskilling programs, to boost organizational agility, employee employability, innovation potential and long-term business resilience