What does HuReq mean?

HuReq (pronounced HYOO-rek) is a word meaning 'Human Required.' It describes a job, task, or activity that requires human involvement, judgment, or supervision and cannot be adequately performed by artificial intelligence alone.

How do you pronounce HuReq?

HuReq is pronounced HYOO-rek (/ˈhjuːrek/). It rhymes with 'queue' and 'wreck' combined.

What are examples of HuReq jobs?

HuReq jobs include therapists, nurses, teachers, social workers, surgeons, clergy, crisis negotiators, and any role requiring empathy, moral judgment, or genuine human connection.

Is HuReq a real word?

HuReq is a new word created for the AI age, combining 'Human' and 'Required.' It's part of a campaign to add this useful term to the English language through everyday use.

The Rise of HuReq Jobs in the AI Economy

Contrary to dystopian predictions, AI isn't eliminating human work—it's reshaping it. And the jobs that are growing fastest? They're overwhelmingly HuReq.

The Data on HuReq Job Growth

According to recent labor market analyses, the fastest-growing occupations share common HuReq characteristics:

Healthcare: Leading the Way

•Home health aides: +22% projected growth

•Nurse practitioners: +40% projected growth

•Mental health counselors: +18% projected growth

These roles require empathy, physical presence, and complex human judgment—all deeply HuReq.

Education: Still Essential

•Special education teachers: +4% projected growth

•Instructional coordinators: +7% projected growth

•School counselors: +5% projected growth

As we discussed in Can AI Replace Teachers?, the core of education remains HuReq.

Skilled Trades: Hands-On and Growing

•Electricians: +6% projected growth

•Plumbers: +2% projected growth

•HVAC technicians: +6% projected growth

Physical work in unpredictable environments is fundamentally HuReq.

Why HuReq Jobs Are Growing

1. Aging Populations Need Human Care

As populations age globally, demand for healthcare, caregiving, and social support is skyrocketing. These inherently HuReq roles can't be offshored or automated.

2. Automation Creates New Human Needs

Ironically, as AI handles routine tasks, organizations need more people for:

•AI oversight and ethics (HuReq judgment)

•Change management (HuReq emotional intelligence)

•Customer experience (HuReq connection)

3. Wealth Effect Increases Demand for Services

As productivity rises, people spend more on inherently HuReq services:

•Personal training

•Therapy and coaching

•Artisan goods and experiences

•Education and enrichment

4. Trust Becomes a Competitive Advantage

In a world of deepfakes and AI-generated content, authentic human connection becomes more valuable. Companies that offer genuine HuReq service differentiate themselves.

Implications for Career Planning

If you're thinking about your career trajectory:

1.Identify the HuReq core of your current role (see our framework)

2.Develop HuReq skills like emotional intelligence and creative thinking (our skill-building guide)

3.Consider HuReq-heavy fields if changing careers (future-proof careers list)

4.Use AI as leverage to spend more time on HuReq activities

The Opportunity

The AI economy isn't a threat to human work—it's a reallocation. Routine tasks are being automated so humans can focus on what we do best: connect, create, care, and judge.

In other words, the future is HuReq.

Explore more: Why HuReq matters | 10 HuReq jobs | What is HuReq?