"SAP Work council leader denounces proposed demolition initiatives"
SAP, the German software giant, has revealed its workforce plans for 2025, which include hiring several thousand new employees with a strong focus on roles related to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. This strategic move is part of SAP's aim to transform its business through AI integration while continuing to recruit externally for approximately 1,800 open positions.
The company's CEO, Christian Klein, emphasised the need for hiring people who can help drive AI-enabled change management and support customers in implementing AI solutions. SAP's AI efforts include integrating AI into their copilot product, Joule.
A substantial reskilling component is also a part of this transformation, with SAP aiming to move its current employees into new roles aligned with AI deployment. The demand for job profiles in areas such as AI and data is expected to increase at SAP due to this integration.
The growing demand for SAP professionals skilled in new SAP technologies like SAP S/4HANA, and expertise in AI-driven analytics and business processes, is driving recruitment trends. Companies need specialists who can manage SAP system integrations and evolve their automated workflows, which aligns with SAP’s workforce development and hiring focus.
Despite this expansion, SAP's management sees potential for cost savings in sales and software development through the use of AI. Certain tasks in software development at SAP are being automated, and AI is expected to impact every job function at SAP. However, it's important to note that AI will not replace human sales roles but rather support them by preparing customer conversations and documentation.
In a departure from traditional downsizing methods, SAP aims to make cuts more continuously in the future. The downsizing is expected to be through voluntary departures. SAP's chairman of the works council, Eberhard Schick, has criticized the corporation's recent downsizing plans.
SAP will also be expanding its partner network, including management consultancies, for some parts of its business. This move is likely to help the company leverage external expertise and resources to further drive its AI-led transformation.
In conclusion, SAP's workforce plans for 2025 involve significant growth, with a focus on roles related to AI and automation. The company aims to reskill its existing employees as part of this transformation, moving them into new roles aligned with AI deployment. SAP’s AI efforts are central to its product roadmap, including advanced AI agents in the Joule copilot, and the company expects AI and automation to be key in enhancing both SAP’s offerings and customer implementations.
[1] SAP News Center, "SAP Announces 2025 Strategic Initiatives to Drive Innovation and Growth," www.sap.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/03/sap-announces-2025-strategic-initiatives-to-drive-innovation-and-growth.html
[2] SAP News Center, "SAP Announces Plans to Expand Partner Network," www.sap.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/04/sap-announces-plans-to-expand-partner-network.html
- SAP's CEO, Christian Klein, has underscored the importance of hiring talent with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data, emphasizing the need for people who can drive AI-enabled change management and support customers in implementing AI solutions.
- As part of SAP's AI-led transformation, the company anticipates increased demands for job profiles in areas such as AI and data, necessitating recruitment for new roles that align with AI deployment and leveraging external expertise and resources through expansion of its partner network.
