At iNOMEE, we’ve seen how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly unavoidable. Whether it’s the ever-present chatbot everyone’s talking about, automated note-taking during video calls, or using an AI virtual assistant for administrative tasks, for many, AI is becoming a more – dare we say – natural part of daily life.

But what happens when you need to recall that one seemingly minor thing a colleague mentioned (which the bot missed) that sparked an idea? Or when you need to have a sensitive conversation with a teammate about a recent project? In a world leaning more heavily on technology, are chatbots starting to replace the personal touch of soft skills at work? And how should we feel about that?

To better understand this shift, Wiley Workplace Intelligence conducted a survey exploring whether – and how – people are using AI in their daily communications. Since AI first took hold, countless applications have emerged, and Wiley was curious: are individuals using these technological shortcuts to ease communication?

AI Isn’t Replacing Humans When It Comes to Soft Skills

Wiley surveyed 2,014 people, and the results were nearly unanimous: AI will never replace the art of human communication.

According to their research, 80% of respondents said that soft skills are more important than ever in today’s AI-driven environment. While AI offers convenience in many areas, those surveyed sent a clear message: a bot can’t replicate the intuitive nature of human connection.

A chatbot won’t know that your colleague is caring for a sick family member and may need extra support at work, or that your manager is juggling multiple roles, or that your team member is learning a new skill alongside their usual tasks.

Taking the time to truly understand the people you work with builds stronger relationships and better workplaces. It’s the individuality we each bring to work that makes teams more resilient and workplace cultures more meaningful.

Building Skills for the Future of Work

Wiley’s findings also highlighted the skills considered most vital for the future. Communication and leadership came out on top, followed by adaptability – a reminder that evolving with change is crucial.

Top Three Most Important Skills:

34% Communication
23% Leadership
12% Adaptability

While AI can streamline many processes, it’s clear that communication and leadership remain firmly human domains. Effective communication – clarity of vision, navigating conflict, fostering positive cultures – isn’t something bots can replicate. It requires genuine human insight and empathy.

Conflict Still Best Managed Face-to-Face

Wiley’s research also showed that even the more difficult aspects of working life, like conflict management, are still best handled personally. While it’s tempting to ask a bot to draft a message about a tricky situation, 84% of people said they preferred to resolve conflicts face-to-face.

This says something simple but important: humans are complex. Taking the time to connect, listen and communicate directly often leads to better outcomes – and better working relationships.

84% of people said they preferred to resolve conflicts face-to-face.

Using AI Strategically, While Investing in Human Skills

At iNOMEE, we believe in the smart use of AI. Automating tasks like scheduling or reporting can save time – but the real value comes from investing that time back into what makes workplaces thrive: people.

That’s why we focus on building communication, leadership, and teamwork through our Workplace Team Engagement Programme and Management Masterclass. These programmes help organisations foster high-performing teams through greater self-awareness, better collaboration, and leadership that brings out the best in every individual. Managers learn how to engage their people, spot potential, and create agile, focused teams where differences become strengths.

Soft skills don’t always come naturally, but they can be developed – and in today’s working world, they’re not optional. They’re essential!

Why Blended Learning Outperforms AI-Only Training

With the rise of digital platforms, it’s tempting to think AI-powered online training is the most efficient route for corporate learning. But the data tells a different story.

Blended learning – combining self-paced online modules with live, human-led sessions – consistently leads to better learning outcomes, higher engagement, and stronger return on investment.

1. Greater Retention of Knowledge

Online learning can improve retention up to 25–60% compared to classroom training alone. But when blended with in-person methods, the results are even stronger. A U.S. Department of Education study found that learners in blended settings performed, on average, 12% better than those receiving only traditional instruction.

2. Higher Engagement and Staff Retention

Blended learning caters to different preferences by using a mix of formats – video, live discussion, reflection, practical application. This multi-channel approach increases engagement. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), organisations using blended learning saw a 60% rise in employee engagement and a 45% drop in staff turnover.

3. Stronger ROI Over Time

AI-only training often looks cheaper upfront – but it rarely delivers the same long-term value. IBM reported saving over £160 million by shifting to digital learning. But companies using blended learning saw up to 30% greater training efficiency and improved performance, according to Statista and other studies. What’s more, team performance and productivity gains tend to last longer when training includes live coaching and peer learning.

4. More Flexibility, Without Losing Human Impact

Blended learning offers the best of both: flexible, self-directed modules and high-impact interactions that drive real change. Staff can learn at their own pace, while still receiving meaningful feedback, coaching, and shared learning – all of which improve knowledge retention and behavioural change.

The Human Advantage

While AI can help structure content or personalise pace, it can’t coach, inspire or challenge people to grow in the same way a skilled trainer or manager can. That’s why the future of workplace development lies not in replacing people with technology – but in equipping people with the human skills technology can’t replicate.

Let iNOMEE Help You Build a Human-Centred Learning Strategy

Whether you’re building leadership across your teams, improving collaboration, or upskilling managers to drive engagement, iNOMEE can help.

Our Workplace Team Engagement Programme and Management Masterclass are designed to build the people skills that future-fit organisations depend on. We bring evidence-based methods, behavioural insight, and blended learning solutions that deliver real, measurable impact.

Ready to build a learning culture that puts people first?

👉 Get in touch with us to explore how we can support your learning and development goals.

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🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is blended learning better than online AI training?
Yes. Research consistently shows that blended learning improves retention and engagement by up to 60% compared to AI-only approaches.

What’s the ROI of blended training programmes?
Organisations using blended methods report 30–60% greater training effectiveness, better retention, and more lasting behaviour change.

Can iNOMEE help design a blended training strategy?
Absolutely. We offer customised programmes to develop leadership, soft skills, and high-performing teams through blended learning that works.

Why Blended Learning Beats AI-Only Training: Retention, ROI & Human Skills That Matter