LinkedIn’s recent Skills on the Rise report highlights a growing demand for skills such as adaptability, communication and critical thinking—with AI literacy topping the list.
However, as AI tools become more integrated into the workplace, some experts worry that these technologies may hinder critical thinking.
Earlier this year, Microsoft researchers surveyed 319 knowledge workers who use gen AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot weekly to understand how these tools affect critical thinking. Analyzing 936 real-world examples, they found that workers use critical thinking mainly to ensure quality—often by verifying AI outputs with external sources.
While gen AI boosts efficiency, the Microsoft researchers report that it can reduce critical engagement and risk long-term overreliance, weakening independent problem-solving skills. Interestingly, the nature of critical thinking shifts—from gathering information to verifying it, from solving problems to integrating AI responses and from executing tasks to overseeing them.
Can the AI effect amplify critical thinking?
However, emerging insights suggest another point of view might be true, according to McKenzie Specht, a scientist at SHL, a global provider of HR tech and psychometric science.
She believes AI could strengthen critical thinking. “There’s this argument that using AI tools inhibits our thinking,” says Specht. However, “those who effectively adopt AI in their work are engaging in higher-level critical thinking.”
Specht emphasizes that human input remains essential. She says that to train AI, people need to understand what they are teaching it.
“And if you’re generating content, it still requires a human review.” Like many experts offering insights on the relationship between machines and humans, Specht says AI isn’t replacing us—calling it a “partner in driving innovation and improving how we work.”
HR tech in the news: Eightfold, Google, Galileo and more
Texas Department of Information Resources has selected Eightfold AI to showcase its talent intelligence tech in the state’s Innovation Lab, giving Texas government entities access to AI-powered workforce tools.
Google Workspace announced several advanced AI capabilities at Cloud Next ’25, including Audio in Docs, writing assistance, Sheets analytics, video generation and workflow automation, which automates multi-step tasks across Workspace apps with the help of agentic AI.
The Josh Bersin Company upgraded Galileo
Research firm i4cp has received an investment from private equity firm M|C Partners. Terry Waters has been named CEO, with co-founder Kevin Oakes shifting to a leadership role focused on thought leadership and expanding advisory offerings.
Oyster, a B Corp-certified company in the employment solution space, continues to support ethical global employment with two key hires: Geraldine MacCarthy, CRO (ex-Personio, Dropbox, Google) and Marina Farthouat, VP of people (ex-Clickhouse, Elastic).
Vaco Holdings, valued at $1B+, rebranded this week as Highspring. This represents a strategic shift from a staffing-focused firm to a global services organization offering consulting, managed services and talent solutions.
Ethena, a provider of compliance training, has teamed up with Ethisphere, an authority on ethical business practices, to launch a new ethical management training course designed for middle managers.
Paychex has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 17th time since 2007. The company donated $2.3 million last year to support employee wellbeing and local communities.
Paychex also announced a partnership with employment platform Multiplier to simplify international hiring for U.S. businesses. Multiplier enables customers to hire talent in over 150 countries within the Paychex platform.
Cornerstone OnDemand has unveiled two innovations—Galaxy AI and Cornerstone Transform—within its workforce agility platform, Cornerstone Galaxy. The platform helps organizations close skills gaps to build a more future-ready workforce.
Microsoft cloud services provider Trofeo has partnered with NextPath Career Partners to combine efforts. Trofeo becomes NextPath’s solution arm, while NextPath supports Trofeo clients with talent needs.
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