Rising Worker Confidence in the AI Era: Why Human-Centric Companies Are Poised for Growth

The rise of AI has transformed how businesses operate, but a critical insight is emerging: human potential remains irreplaceable. New data from ManpowerGroup's Global Talent Barometer 2025 reveals that worker confidence has increased by 2% year-over-year, driven by enhanced access to skill development programs and a growing belief in adaptability. This surge underscores a paradox: even as AI reshapes industries, companies that prioritize human-centric strategies—combining technological innovation with investments in ethics, creativity, and empathy—are positioning themselves as the most resilient and competitive players in the market.

The Foundation of Worker Confidence: Skills and Adaptability

ManpowerGroup's research highlights that 85% of employers now use AI in hiring, yet 33% acknowledge AI's inability to replicate ethical judgment and 31% recognize customer service as a uniquely human skill. This creates a clear opportunity for firms that blend AI efficiency with human strengths. The 2% rise in worker confidence is not merely a statistical blip but a reflection of employees' belief in their ability to navigate an AI-driven economy. Key drivers include:
- Skill Development Gaps: While 73% of workers believe their employers offer opportunities to gain new skills, only 59% have received training in the past six months. Companies closing this gap by investing in continuous learning will attract and retain top talent.
- Career Mobility: 57% of workers see clear paths for promotion or internal mobility, but 34% feel stuck in their current roles. Organizations fostering internal mobility and adaptability—like Singapore's 72% skilled confidence rate despite high job-hopping—are outpacing competitors.

The Investment Case: Human-Centric Companies Lead in Resilience

Investors should prioritize companies that align with the “Humans First, Digital Always” approach. This strategy combines AI's analytical power with human skills that machines cannot replicate, such as decision-making under ambiguity or cross-cultural empathy.

Sector Spotlight: Tech, Finance, and Health Care

• Information Technology (35% hiring outlook): Sectors like IT are leading in hiring, but success hinges on upskilling workers for roles requiring hybrid skills (e.g., AI ethics officers).
• Financials & Real Estate (32%): Firms investing in customer service roles that blend AI-driven data analysis with human relationship-building will dominate.
• Health Care & Life Sciences (28%): Ethical judgment is critical in patient care and regulatory compliance, making this sector a prime target for human-centric strategies.

Startups Leading the Charge

ManpowerGroup's partnerships at VivaTech 2025 showcase startups like Coachello (AI-driven career mapping) and Popp (automating hiring while preserving human oversight). These firms exemplify how AI can enhance—not replace—human potential. Investors should seek similar opportunities in venture capital or publicly traded companies with robust training programs.

Risks and Opportunities in the AI Workforce Transition

While the outlook is positive, challenges persist:
- Regional Variations: Asia Pacific leads with a 30% hiring outlook, but Europe's 20% NEO highlights the need for policy alignment (e.g., the UK's focus on workforce optimization).
- Skill Gaps: Mid-sized firms (31% NEO) are outpacing larger enterprises (25%) in agility, suggesting smaller companies with strong training pipelines may outperform.

Investment Strategy: Allocate to Human-Centric Resilience

• Sector Focus: Overweight in tech, health care, and financial services firms with explicit commitments to upskilling.
• Geographic Prioritization: Target Asia Pacific (India's 43% NEO) and the Americas (U.S. 34% NEO) for high-growth opportunities.
• Dividend-Seekers: Look to established firms like ManpowerGroup (MAN) for steady returns as they expand their “Age of Accelerating Adaptability” initiatives.

Conclusion: The Future Belongs to Those Who Invest in Humans

The 2% rise in worker confidence is a harbinger of a broader shift: companies that treat human potential as a strategic asset—not just a cost—will thrive. As AI automates routine tasks, the premium on creativity, ethical judgment, and empathy will grow. Investors who back organizations fostering these traits—whether through training, internal mobility, or ethical AI integration—are likely to capture outsized returns.

In a world where machines excel at computation but humans rule in complexity, the winners will be those who invest in both.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always conduct thorough due diligence before making investment decisions.