AI and the Future of Work: What’s Really Changing?
Featuring: Andrew Hines, Dr Hines is a member of faculty at the School of Computer Science, UCD.
AI and the Future of Work is one of the most pressing conversations facing leaders today. Headlines predict everything from mass job losses to AI-driven efficiency gains, but the truth is more nuanced.
In this episode of The Talent Fix, Barry Prost speaks with Andrew Hines, Lecturer in Computer Science at University College Dublin, to explore how AI is really changing jobs, recruitment, and the skills we’ll need for the future.
AI adoption is accelerating at breakneck speed:
- 77% of companies are either using or exploring AI in their business (PwC)
- By 2030, up to 30% of jobs could be automated in some way (McKinsey Global Institute)
- Yet 88% of HR leaders say the human element empathy, judgment, trust remains essential in hiring (LinkedIn Talent Solutions)
This raises urgent questions. What does AI and the Future of Work mean for employees, hiring leaders, and businesses? Which roles are most at risk, and what skills will continue to matter in an AI-driven economy?
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Which jobs are most at risk and which are safer than you think
- Why generative AI is powerful, but far from perfect
- The rise of AI shepherds (new human roles emerging alongside AI)
- How AI bias and cultural blind spots could disrupt recruitment
- The timeless human skills that will matter most in an AI-driven world
- What HR and hiring leaders should do now to prepare for the future of work
Episode Summary
Andrew Hines cuts through the hype surrounding AI. He explains why AI is “cheap and plentiful but not wise”, and why humans will remain central to decision-making especially in recruitment, where empathy and context are just as important as speed and efficiency.
We also discuss how recruitment is becoming an “AI arms race,” with candidates using AI to generate polished CVs and employers deploying AI to screen them. Is this the future of hiring, or a dehumanising race to the bottom? Andrew argues that technology must be balanced with human oversight to deliver real value.
Most importantly, we explore the human skills that will outlast automation. Critical thinking, analytical ability, AI literacy, and communication will be key in shaping the future of work.
Why This Matters for HR & Business Leaders
For HR and business leaders, AI and the Future of Work is not a distant concern it is already reshaping recruitment, employee experience, and workforce planning.
At Rent a Recruiter, we combine cutting-edge tools with embedded human expertise. Our recruiters use AI responsibly to:
- Speed up sourcing and shortlisting
- Improve candidate experience
- Support DEI goals by reducing bias
- Free HR teams from admin, so they can focus on strategy
About Andrew Hines
Andrew Hines is a Lecturer in Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD), specialising in speech and audio processing, AI, and human–machine interaction. His research focuses on how artificial intelligence can enhance and sometimes disrupt areas such as translation, speech recognition, and audio quality.
Andrew is also a frequent contributor to public discussions on AI and the Future of Work, including appearances on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Show. He brings a pragmatic view to the AI debate, showing where the technology adds real value, where it falls short, and what it means for tomorrow’s workforce.
Ready to future-proof your hiring?
Our embedded recruiters blend cutting-edge tools with human expertise to deliver faster, fairer, and smarter hiring.
As the conversation around AI and the Future of Work evolves, one thing is clear: the organisations that thrive will be those that embrace technology without losing sight of the human element.
By combining AI-driven efficiency with human judgment, empathy, and cultural understanding, businesses can build stronger teams, make better hiring decisions, and create workplaces that are both innovative and resilient.
Interested in how AI is already shaping recruitment?
Check out our article on AI Recruitment: Leading with Ethics and Accountability to see how businesses can adopt AI tools responsibly while keeping fairness and trust at the center of hiring.
