Microsoft Office remains as strong as ever amidst the AI storm

The adoption of AI in the workplace is no secret, with several organizations integrating generative AI into critical processes and tasks. But amidst all this, the importance of Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365, as it’s now called) remains as high as ever in the workspace!

According to a recent report by IDC titled, Thriving in an AI-driven Future: Defining Critical Skills and Tools as Jobs Evolve, Microsoft Office was picked by 65% of the LOB (Line of Business) managers as the most important tool for the professional success of their teams.

IDC also conducted a survey on key technical skills, and the results are honestly surprising. Amongst the respondents, 50% in IT roles and 66% in LOB roles rated Microsoft Office as the top technical skill over Data Management and Project Management.

Again, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office find a place in the top 3 tools to know for work in IT and LOB roles, highlighting how the two streamline tasks in workplaces and facilitate seamless collaboration.

These trends are not just a result of the feature-rich functionality of Microsoft Office but have more to do with how the productivity suite has evolved with time, incorporating workplace-oriented changes. For instance, the availability of Copilot in Microsoft Office!

The report in no way negates the role played by generative AI but explains how a proper understanding of Microsoft Office augments the AI push. Employers are looking for workers with both Microsoft Office and AI skills. According to the report, 44% of employers reported considering generative AI as a critical skill during hiring.

On the flip side, 42% don’t plan to conduct AI-related training for employees in the near future. Remember, it also has to do with the industry. For instance, many sectors haven’t yet witnessed any significant AI integration, and subsequently, there’s no need for training.

Microsoft, on its part, is pushing for AI in manufacturing and introducing industry-oriented solutions.

The importance of certifications (even if unrelated to Microsoft Office) also finds a mention in the report. According to the report, 74% believe that certificates are important for entry-level and new career applicants, while 45% say that certificates help land more engaging roles with higher pay.

The IDC report, sponsored by Microsoft, sheds light on the changing trends in the workplace and how employees and organizations must realign their strategies to focus on communication, collaboration and productivity in order to thrive. Those are the three aspects where you should aim for improvement!

For the unversed, Microsoft Office 2024, the latest version of the productivity software, will soon be released, but you can try it now!

What do you think about the importance of Microsoft Office? Share with our readers in the comments section.