With the advent of AI has succeeded in revolutionizing the work and thereby propelling more and more companies to install intelligent technologies in their workplace in earnest. The other side is that it has adversely affected the position and workplace of those who, in pre-technology, were meant for the job. They all of a sudden find themselves operating in uncharted water.
Machines are taking over human jobs that once required humans for their expertise. And it isn’t only repetitive and low-skill jobs being taken away; even jobs requiring higher degrees are being replaced by machines. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Algorithms, and robotics have seriously questioned the ability of human beings by demonstrating their ability and capacity to work. It has overpowered human work in a number of professions like border patrols agents, Insurance claim adjusters, psychological testers, Dermatology, Finacial reporters, Sports Journalists, hiring managers, seismic testers in oil fields, crew members on guided-missile destroyers, Lawyers, and retail salesperson.
There is mounting fear that advances in technology will threaten millions of jobs such as driving cars and trucks, analyzing medical tests and data, performing middle management duties, dispensing medicine, trading stocks and evaluating markets, fighting on battlefields, performing government functions, creating algorithms, programming software – as well as those creating algorithms – or programming algorithms themselves.
Numerous studies have illustrated how massive numbers of jobs are at stake due to smart, autonomous systems encroaching upon workplaces. Labor economists conducted a recent study and determined that “one more robot per thousand workers decreases employment-population ratio by approximately 0.18-3.34 percentage points while wages increase 0.25-0.5 percent.
” Pew Research Center and Elon University’s Imagining the Internet Center surveyed experts in 2014 regarding whether AI and robotics would create more jobs than they destroy; their response was evenly split, with 48% anticipating more jobs lost than made while 52% saw them being produced instead. Since that expert surveying took place, this issue has topped many major conferences globally as an issue to discuss.
The employees seem to have come to reality and are prepared to face and embrace the changes they have to face. According to the survey done by Accenture on the future workforce, over 60% of workers view AI in companies positively, and two-thirds acknowledge they must acquire the skill sets necessary to work alongside intelligent machines.
Large companies do not share the same enthusiasm as their employees when it comes to adopting AI technologies. Business leaders are of the opinion that merely one-quarter of their workforce is being prepared by the adoption of AI. And when it comes to budget, in order to train and address AI skill challenges, only 3 percent plan significant increases.
How can AI development companies and employees know about skill development and understanding of AI capabilities? Senior executives should attempt to establish clarity around capability gaps by identifying what skills their people require before devising an approach that develops those abilities for human-AI collaboration.
In This Article
How Automation is Changing the Future of Work?
Our previous research indicated that approximately half of the activities people are paid to perform globally could potentially be automated using currently demonstrated technologies, with less than five percent of occupations featuring activities that can be fully automated.
According to an estimate, it is believed that in 60 percent of occupations, there is a chance that potentially one-third of the total activities can be automated which implies that this would lead to a significant transformation and therefore be a change for all the workers involved.
Technical feasibility is certainly important when considering automation adoption; however, other considerations also play a part. These may include costs related to developing and deploying specific automation solutions for workplace needs in terms of both development costs and deployment; labor market dynamics (such as quality and quantity of labor supply as well as associated wages); benefits beyond labor substitution as well as regulatory and social acceptance of automation technology.
Automation is having a significant impact on the future of work across various industries and professions. Here are some key ways in which automation is changing the future of work:
1. Job Displacement
The task previously done by humans exclusively can now be performed with the help of Automation technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Machine learning. The good thing, this can be done with perfection. This has led to job displacement in certain sectors, particularly in routine, repetitive, and predictable tasks. Many manufacturing jobs, for example, have been replaced by automated assembly lines.
2. Job Transformation
Automation may replace certain tasks, but it can also transform jobs by expanding human capacities. Automation technologies can assist humans in performing tasks more quickly, accurately, and efficiently. For example, software tools can automate data analysis, allowing professionals to focus on higher-level decision-making.
3. Creation of New Jobs
Although automation can lead to the elimination of certain roles, however, the positive side is that it would create new job opportunities. The development, deployment, and maintenance of automation technologies require skilled workers. The job sector and the new industries that at one point in time were beyond imagination would be created by automation. The advent of AI has given to the emergence of roles like explainability experts, AI trainers, and ethicists, which prior to automation, were an unknown entity.
4. Skill Shifts and Upskilling
Automation is driving a shift in the skills demanded in the workforce. Routine manual and cognitive tasks are increasingly being automated, while skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making are becoming more valuable. To adapt to the changing job landscape, workers need to develop skills that complement and collaborate with automation technologies.
5. Increased Productivity and Efficiency
Automation can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in various industries. Automation will help in doing away with repetitive tasks. It will help organizations in reducing errors, thereby will positively improve and accelerate the quality of the work. This allows human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities, leading to overall productivity gains.
6. Workplace Safety and Hazardous Environments
In a hazardous work environment, automation technologies come very handy and are extremely beneficial. An environment that is otherwise unsafe for human beings has no bearing on the working of Robots or autonomous systems. Working conditions like handling hazardous materials, navigating dangerous terrains, or working in extreme temperatures can do no harm to automation technologies. This helps improve workplace safety and decreases the risk of human injury.
7. Ethical Considerations
The rise of automation raises important ethical considerations. Issues such as job displacement, income inequality, privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the impact of AI on decision-making processes need to be carefully addressed. Society needs to develop ethical frameworks and regulations to ensure that automation is used responsibly and for the benefit of all.
Overall, automation is reshaping the future of work by changing job roles, demanding new skills, enhancing productivity, and presenting both challenges and opportunities for workers and organizations alike. Adapting to these changes requires proactive measures such as lifelong learning, upskilling, and a focus on the uniquely human qualities that complement automation.
How to Prepare Employees for AI and the Future of Work?
No one can predict with absolute accuracy what the future of work will bring. Yet, several elements are already present, and employers should carefully consider how their workplace might change when this “future” becomes “present”.
As technology continues to advance, advances will play a pivotal role in business operations – and disruption can occur just as frequently as benefits. Therefore, investing time now in strategic thinking about what lies ahead makes sense from both an economic and strategic viewpoint.
Preparing employees for AI and the future of work requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. Here are some strategies to help employees navigate the changes brought about by AI and automation:
1. Develop Awareness and Education
Start by creating awareness among employees about AI, its potential impact on their work, and the benefits it can bring. Offer training sessions, workshops, and informational resources to educate employees about AI technologies, their applications, and their implications for the future of work.
2. Communicate the Vision and Strategy
Communicate the organization’s vision and strategy regarding AI adoption and its impact on employees. Explain how AI will complement and enhance their work rather than replace them. Address any concerns or misconceptions they may have and provide regular updates to keep them informed.
3. Upskill and Reskill
Identify the skills that will be in high demand in the AI-driven workplace and provide opportunities for employees to upskill and reskill. Offer training programs, workshops, and online courses that focus on developing skills such as data analysis, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Encourage employees to take ownership of their learning and provide resources to support their development.
4. Foster a Learning Culture
Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and growth within the organization. Encourage employees to embrace lifelong learning and provide them with access to learning platforms, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. Create a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to acquire new skills and adapt to changing technologies.
5. Encourage Collaboration with AI
Highlight the collaborative nature of AI and automation. Emphasize that AI technologies are meant to assist and augment human work, not replace it entirely. Encourage employees to explore ways in which they can collaborate with AI systems, leveraging their capabilities to enhance productivity and efficiency.
6. Develop Soft Skills
While technical skills are important, soft skills will remain crucial in the AI-driven workplace. Focus on developing skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, teamwork, and leadership. Offer training programs and workshops that help employees enhance these skills, as they will be essential in roles that require human interaction, creativity, and complex decision-making.
7. Promote Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
AI excels at automating routine tasks, but critical thinking and problem-solving are skills that humans excel at. Encourage employees to think critically, analyze complex situations, and propose innovative solutions. It provides an opportunity for the employees to work on some challenging and mind-boggling projects. It also helps them to engage in problem-solving activities that require human judgment.
8. Support Employee Well-being
As technology advances, it’s important to prioritize employee well-being. Encourage work-life balance, provide resources for stress management, and promote healthy habits. The employees must be allowed to feel their worth, thereby creating a supportive where the employee feels valued, motivated, and empowered so that they can easily adapt to the changing working landscape.
9. Foster Agility and Adaptability
Bear in mind that it is important to provide such an environment and working conditions to the employees, as it should help them to develop adaptability and agility that will help them in the navigation of their changing work environment. Employees must be encouraged to go for the changes and embrace the new technology and must be willing to learn and adapt according to the requirements. Providing adequate resources to combat any challenge or barrier is vital.
10. Lead by Example
Leaders play a crucial role in preparing employees for AI and the future of work. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies yourself. Encourage experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organization. Be transparent, communicate openly, and provide guidance and support to employees throughout the transition.
By implementing these strategies, organizations can effectively prepare their employees for AI and the future of work, ensuring they have the skills, mindset, and support necessary to thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
Making AI Work For Your Organization
Attaining AI adoption through strategic efforts pays dividends for organizations. The PwC’s AI Business Survey report that companies are eyeing significant and considerable AI use. Therefore are highly optimistic and considering it to use it across the three areas, business transformation, decision-making, and modernizing processes.
Extended adoption of AI means major shifts in how employees perform their duties, so companies need to demonstrate to employees that AI is an agent for positive change, helping people focus more creatively while taking over mundane tasks that don’t utilize their talents as efficiently. How can organizations show employees this is true? By showing employees that AI is part of an effort that makes life better – not taking away jobs but instead providing new ones which utilize them more fully than before.
One approach would be to emphasize that AI was designed to support human workers rather than replace them. Because people will be working alongside AI, their tech skills must match up; this may involve upskilling or reskilling employees as needed so that they can take full advantage of all that AI offers.
