Upskilling the Retail Workforce for Adoption of E-Mobility: The Role of Human Resource Competencies and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract - The global shift towards green sustainability has
positioned e-mobility at the frontline of industrial
transformation, with the retail industry emerging as a
substantial area for innovation. Retailers, who are reliant on
logistics, supply chain and warehousing are moving towards
electric vehicles and other green technologies for reducing their
environmental effect. Whereas, this shift is not only
technological, but requires a parallel support from the
employees. The study, by adapting a qualitative literature
review approach, aims to investigate how the competencies
possessed by Human Resources by collaborating with Artificial
Intelligence technologies, play a crucial role in upskilling the
retail workforce to assist and sustain the adoption of e-mobility
systems. Further, it also investigates how HR strategies such as
training and development, talent planning, employee
engagement and performance management are being
reimagined to meet the demands of technology driven and lowcarbon
future. The study has revealed that HR department are
responsible for identifying gaps in skills, designing
personalized upskilling programs and ensuring that
interventions are aligned with the technological upgradations.
Despite the various advantages, there are certain challenges.
The study uncovered constraints such as lack of digital literacy,
budget limitations for training and the need for formulation of
clear frameworks supporting green skill development. Hence,
the shift to e-mobility particularly in the retail industry will be
difficult to achieve without an investment in the Human
Resources. This study contributes to the existing literature in
this field by mapping the way in which HR competencies play a
pivotal role in making the retail workforce to shift smoothly to
e-mobility context in which all aspects such as product lines
and technologies demand adaptability.
Keywords - Artificial Intelligence, E-Mobility, Human
Resources, Upskilling