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Guide2026-01-07•6 min read

HuReq vs Automatable: How to Tell the Difference

Not sure if a task is HuReq or automatable? Use this framework to evaluate any job, role, or responsibility.

HuReq vs Automatable: How to Tell the Difference

As AI transforms the workplace, one of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to distinguish between HuReq work (requiring human involvement) and automatable work (suitable for AI or machines).

This framework will help you evaluate any task.

The HuReq Assessment Framework

Ask these five questions about any task:

1. Does It Require Emotional Intelligence?

HuReq indicators:

  • •Reading unspoken cues or body language
  • •Providing comfort or reassurance
  • •Navigating sensitive interpersonal situations
  • •Building trust over time

    • Automatable indicators:

  • •Emotional content is minimal or formulaic
  • •Interactions follow predictable scripts
  • •Emotional support is generic rather than personalized

    • Example: Telling a patient they have cancer (HuReq) vs. scheduling their follow-up appointment (automatable)

    2. Does It Involve Complex Moral Judgment?

    HuReq indicators:

  • •Weighing competing ethical values
  • •Making decisions with long-term consequences
  • •Considering context that's hard to quantify
  • •Accountability matters (someone must take responsibility)

    • Automatable indicators:

  • •Clear rules can be applied consistently
  • •Decisions are reversible or low-stakes
  • •Outcomes are easily measurable

    • Example: Deciding child custody arrangements (HuReq) vs. calculating child support payments (automatable)

    3. Does It Require Novel Problem-Solving?

    HuReq indicators:

  • •Each situation is genuinely unique
  • •The solution requires creativity or innovation
  • •There's no established playbook to follow
  • •The problem involves human complexity

    • Automatable indicators:

  • •Problems follow recognizable patterns
  • •Solutions can be templated or systematized
  • •Historical data provides reliable guidance

    • Example: Designing a marketing strategy for a new market (HuReq) vs. generating A/B test variations (increasingly automatable)

    4. Does It Require Physical Presence or Dexterity?

    HuReq indicators:

  • •The environment is unpredictable or unstructured
  • •Fine motor skills are required
  • •Physical human presence matters for psychological reasons
  • •The task involves navigating novel physical spaces

    • Automatable indicators:

  • •The environment is controlled and consistent
  • •Movements are repetitive and predictable
  • •Remote or robotic operation is feasible

    • Example: Plumbing repairs in old houses (HuReq) vs. assembly line manufacturing (increasingly automated)

    5. Does It Depend on Authentic Human Connection?

    HuReq indicators:

  • •The recipient needs to feel genuinely cared for
  • •Trust is built through vulnerability and consistency
  • •The relationship itself is part of the value
  • •Authenticity is essential to the outcome

    • Automatable indicators:

  • •Transactional interactions are sufficient
  • •Efficiency is more valued than warmth
  • •The recipient doesn't need to know or care who/what is providing the service

    • Example: Long-term therapy (HuReq) vs. guided meditation apps (automatable with AI assistance)

    Scoring Your Task

    For each question, score the task:

  • •Strongly HuReq: 2 points
  • •Somewhat HuReq: 1 point
  • •Neutral: 0 points
  • •Somewhat automatable: -1 point
  • •Strongly automatable: -2 points

    • Interpretation:

  • •8-10 points: Deeply HuReq—focus on excellence here
  • •4-7 points: Moderately HuReq—AI may assist but won't replace
  • •0-3 points: Mixed—consider how AI might change this work
  • •Below 0: Likely automatable—prepare for transformation

    • Applying This to Your Work

  • 1.List your key responsibilities
  • 2.Score each one using the framework
  • 3.Identify your HuReq core—the tasks where you add irreplaceable value
  • 4.Prepare for automation in your low-scoring tasks
  • 5.Develop skills that reinforce your HuReq strengths

    • The Bigger Picture

    Understanding the HuReq vs. automatable distinction isn't about fear—it's about focusing your energy where you matter most.

    The future belongs to people who know their HuReq strengths and double down on them.

    Related reading: HuReq skills to develop | 10 Jobs that are definitely HuReq | How to use HuReq in conversation

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