INTERVIEW
EVEN BOLSTAD, PRESIDENT OF THE EAPM, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HR NORGE AND BOARD MEMBER OF THE WFPMA
Let Humans Concentrate On
WHAT HUMANS DO BEST I see technological development as an important part of the solution for everything from demographical shifts to environmental sustainability. That also includes HR, where AI will replace a lot of manual work processes and incorporate better quality into others. Yet the work cannot be done without the active presence of mature, ethical and knowledgeable HR and leadership professionals
HR 2022
A
4
s an economist and technology optimist, Even Bolstad, president of the EAPM, managing director of HR Norge and board member of the WFPMA, has a lot to say about current trends in skilling and reskilling, telework, the use of artificial intelligence and experiments with work time. Many of his thoughts are provocative and contrary to current flows, yet they
are well supported. That’s why this interview represents an intriguing journey into the present and future of work. How have rapid technological changes and the adoption of AI changed the supply and demand of skills & competencies? What skills & competencies do employers want the most and what can and can’t they receive?
There are skills gaps all over the place. If we don’t invest in and prioritise basic education, higher education, reskilling and upskilling, we will all suffer from that - individuals, society and companies. Certain kinds of engineering and ICTskills are the most obvious answers when it comes to the question of where demand is most urgent. The demand side is massive, and for some skills the
