Companies must adapt work in real time to thrive

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Gartner’s research released on September 15 projects that by 2028, companies unable to redesign work in real time will struggle to keep up with AI-driven transformations. The firm’s findings show that organizations integrating continuous work redesign as a fundamental capability are twice as likely to thrive amid AI-driven shifts. This approach demands a fundamental overhaul of talent strategies to ensure employees and managers can rapidly reskill, redefine roles, and redeploy skills as needed. Gartner cautions that rigid job structures and outdated workforce planning will no longer suffice.

Instead, businesses must embed flexibility into performance management and work allocation to align with shifting demands. The emergence of AI tools has exposed discrepancies between how work is designed and how it actually functions, according to the report. These tools track real-time performance, revealing inefficiencies and bottlenecks that traditional process maps or periodic reviews might miss. For instance, while workflow diagrams may outline intended steps, AI-driven tracking uncovers where delays or redundant tasks occur in practice. HR departments must also undergo significant transformation.

While AI will automate administrative tasks, human workers remain essential for overseeing AI deployment, correcting errors, and maintaining institutional knowledge. Gartner emphasizes that replacing HR functions entirely with AI will not reduce costs, as these roles provide critical insights into which tasks AI should handle and where human judgment remains indispensable. Organizations that view AI disruption as merely another cycle of change risk losing ground. The critical distinction this time lies in speed: AI reshapes roles faster than previous disruptions, necessitating real-time adjustments rather than gradual updates.

Companies that embed workforce mobility into their talent strategies will gain a competitive edge over those clinging to rigid structures. Gartner’s analysis shows a transition from reactive change management to proactive redesign. The focus must shift from merely adopting AI tools to restructuring how work is organized, assessed, and executed. Without this transformation, even sophisticated AI implementations may fail to achieve their intended outcomes. The firm’s data suggests that the most successful organizations will be those capable of continuously adapting their operations to align with AI’s evolving capabilities.

According to the report, the shift toward continuous redesign requires leaders to rethink traditional performance metrics and role definitions. For example, AI-driven analytics can identify skill gaps before they become critical, allowing for targeted upskilling programs. Gartner’s projections indicate that by 2028, organizations that make continuous work redesign a core capability will be twice as likely to succeed in their efforts.

The firm’s research highlights that the most resilient companies will be those that treat AI as a catalyst for broader organizational change rather than a standalone solution. This includes reimagining career paths, reallocating resources, and supporting a culture of continuous learning. The report concludes that the ability to pivot quickly and effectively will determine which companies thrive in the AI era.