Israeli HR Leaders Stress AI Enhances Rather Than Replaces Human Skills Amid Workforce Shifts

At the Calcalist and Mizrahi Tefahot Growth Conference, Dror Litbak, CEO of ManpowerGroup Israel, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) does not replace people or surpass human capabilities. The panel included experts Nirith Cohen, Dor Gavizon, Sivan Brown, and Nirith Feld Mintz, moderated by Almog Azar from Calcalist. They discussed the impact of AI and economic factors on Israel’s labor market, especially in high-tech.

Sivan Brown, HR director at Akamai Israel, noted employees seek stability and technological tools to remain relevant amid uncertainty. Nirith Feld Mintz of HiBoB highlighted varied organizational approaches to AI training, with many workers staying in their roles but adapting to new skills. Nirith Cohen pointed to a shift toward gig and flexible work, with technology enabling workers to diversify income streams.

Dror Litbak reported a strong employment outlook in Israel with a projected 26% growth, despite high-tech layoffs and the strengthening shekel. He stressed a severe talent shortage across sectors, including manufacturing and defense technology, with 86% of employers citing skill gaps. AI is seen as a tool to augment human skills rather than replace them.

Dor Gavizon from Wolt Benefits described employee demands for flexibility, choice, and certainty, leading to innovations like dedicated customer service for business clients. Feld Mintz shared how AI-powered job architecture tools saved significant work hours and improved client interactions. Sivan Brown acknowledged current hiring freezes and layoffs but remains optimistic about Israel’s long-term tech strength.

The panel also discussed generational shifts, with younger workers prioritizing values, community impact, and professional identity differently than older generations. Cohen noted that Generation Z challenges traditional employment contracts and embraces career fluidity. Gavizon mentioned Wolt’s ongoing transformation and the end of its partnership with Sibos, signaling market changes and increased competition.

Overall, the discussion underscored that while AI and economic challenges reshape work, human skills, adaptability, and values remain central to Israel’s evolving labor market.