Recent data indicates a rise in AI job losses, but the numbers alone fail to provide a comprehensive perspective.
A report from ResumeBuilder reveals that 37% of business leaders claim AI replaced workers in 2023. Additionally, a survey conducted by Asana, a project management and collaboration software company, shows that employees believe 29% of their work tasks can be replaced by AI.
While certain roles like research and data analysis are susceptible to AI automation, human intervention remains crucial in prompting AI, interpreting results, and taking action. Despite Elon Musk’s prediction that AI will render jobs unnecessary, experts disagree.
Julia Toothacre, a career strategist at ResumeBuilder, acknowledges that their research may not represent the broader business landscape, as many traditional organizations and small businesses have yet to fully embrace technology. While layoffs are a reality, AI also enables business leaders to restructure and redefine job roles.
Alex Hood, the chief product officer at Asana, highlights that a significant portion of work time is spent on non-essential tasks, which he refers to as “work about work.” AI’s ability to reduce time spent on such tasks can unlock new opportunities. Without considering the nuances behind the numbers, statistics predicting AI-induced layoffs primarily reflect fear rather than reality.
Marc Cenedella, the founder of Leet Resumes and Ladders, believes that as AI takes over task-based work, humans can ascend the value chain. Workers will be able to focus on integrating, structuring, and defining task-based work, similar to how word processors eliminated the need for entire floors of typists in mid-century office culture.
In conclusion, while AI job losses may be on the rise, it is essential to consider the broader context. AI presents both challenges and opportunities, and businesses must strike a balance between leveraging its benefits and ensuring the well-being of their workforce.
Balancing Task Automation with Human-centered Collaboration
According to Asana’s State of AI at Work 2023 report, employees believe that 29% of their work tasks can be replaced by AI.
However, Asana advocates for “human-centered AI,” which aims to enhance human abilities and collaboration rather than completely replacing people. The report suggests that the more individuals understand human-centered AI, the more they perceive it as having a positive impact on their work.
White-collar and clerical workers make up a significant portion of the global workforce, representing approximately 19.6% to 30.4% of employed individuals worldwide. Over the years, analytical and communication tools have reshaped knowledge work, and the emergence of generative AI can be seen as another step in this ongoing evolution.
However, it is important to consider that as of 2022, around 34% of the global population still lacks access to the internet. Therefore, any discussion about AI’s impact on job layoffs and potential work restructuring must also address the digital divide between those who have access to technology and those who do not.
The Vital Role of Human Intervention in an AI-Powered Workforce
In an AI-driven work environment, professionals can take steps to avoid redundancy. Marc Cenedella emphasizes the personal responsibility of white-collar professionals to continuously develop new skills and stay updated with the latest software. While AI automation may impact certain roles like research and data analysis, human intervention will still be necessary to prompt AI, interpret results, and take action.
Julia Toothacre advises individuals to understand how AI could affect their industry and position, enabling them to anticipate potential changes. Cenedella also highlights the importance of companies supporting employee skill development, as those that invest in their workforce will be better positioned for the future.
Alex Hood, involved in creating collaboration and project management solutions using AI, exemplifies the concept of AI tinkering. He experiments with AI to explore its capabilities and encourages employers to provide opportunities for individual experimentation with AI to understand its potential.
While layoffs may occur due to AI advancements, historical evidence suggests that technological progress does not lead to mass unemployment. The workforce has demonstrated adaptability in the face of change, and increased technological capacity can result in higher-value work. Future generations of AI are likely to handle increased productivity.
It is important to consider that the impact of AI on job restructuring and layoffs should also address the digital divide, as a significant portion of the global population still lacks internet access.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 18, 2023
