Alongside the rapid march of technological progress runs a quieter, yet absolutely vital force: humanity. The sense of meaning in work, trust, belonging, and the ability to influence our work aren’t disappearing — if anything, they’re becoming even more important in this whirlwind of technological change. As tools evolve faster, people crave stable anchors.
Both Kivelä and Leppilampi stress: Technology by itself doesn’t make work better or easier. It can support, speed up, and streamline, but the real magic happens when people understand why and how to use it.
AI can’t read a room’s mood, sense when a teammate needs support, or deliver respectful feedback. These are the moments where humans must lead. Today, many organizations are exploring ways to use AI more effectively. But at the same time, we must ask: How do we keep humanity at the center? Leading with technology means understanding people and the cultures where work happens. Good tools can enable, but they can’t solve it on their own. That’s up to work communities where learning, uncertainty, and open dialogue are not just allowed, but encouraged.
In the future, the organizations that thrive will be those that can combine sharp technological skills with a deep understanding of people. Knowledge work isn't just about processing information. It’s about collaboration, communication, and the ability to create something new together.
If we do this right, technological change won’t just reshape work, it will strengthen the very human skills that make great work possible. Let’s just remember, people aren't part of the system — the system is part of us.
