We’re living in a data-first world. Whether it’s driving marketing campaigns, optimising customer experiences, or ensuring regulatory compliance, data is the fuel behind every smart decision. But while automation and AI are accelerating what’s possible, it’s the human element that ensures data is collected properly, understood, and turned into action.
Striking the right balance between automation and human insight is now a defining trait of high-performing organisations. Machines can process at speed and scale, but people provide context, creativity, judgement, and communication. That balance is also reflected in LinkedIn’s latest report on the 15 fastest-growing skills in the UK.
Unsurprisingly, AI literacy and the ability to work with large language models are rising rapidly. But so too are deeply human skills like strategic thinking, adaptability, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship building. Other fast-rising areas include customer relationship management, social media management, market analysis, regulatory compliance, financial planning and analysis, and even cold calling — all of which rely heavily on good data, effective communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Interestingly, even documentation and data management itself are now seen as growth areas — reinforcing the point that data isn’t just a tech problem; it’s a people one, too.
At The Software Bureau, we see this intersection every day. Our tools are designed to automate the heavy lifting of data processing — but we’ve always believed that the real value comes when automation works hand-in-hand with people who understand the bigger picture. From our developers to our client service team, it’s the human insight layered on top of great tech that makes the difference. It’s not about man versus machine — it’s about making sure both are working in sync to deliver better results.
