Augmented workforce is not the future – it’s happening now
An estimated 87% of executives expect job roles to be augmented, rather than replaced, by generative AI. This trend varies across sectors, with more than 90% in procurement, risk and compliance, and finance expecting augmentation.
Whenever you are asked the question “Will AI take my job?”, the answer might be, “No, thanks to the augmented workforce.”
If you are not familiar with the term, then it is about time to explain what an augmented workforce is, how skills and reskilling are playing a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of work, and whether all these advancements can secure your job.
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What is an augmented workforce?
The concept of an augmented workforce transcends the traditional boundaries of human and machine collaboration. It represents a sophisticated blend where human intellect and emotional intelligence are amplified by AI’s computational power.
AI is not a substitute but a complement to human skills, taking on repetitive and mundane tasks and freeing humans to engage in more complex, creative, and strategic endeavors.
This synergy is not about replacing human effort but about enhancing and expanding human capabilities.
This synergy is not about replacing human effort but about enhancing and expanding human capabilities.
For instance, IBM’s report, “Augmented Work for an Automated, AI-driven World,” states that 40% of the workforce will require reskilling in the next three years due to AI and automation’s impact. Are the HR teams ready for it?
Related: Workforce planning strategy in the AI-driven economy
The augmented workforce model
The emergence of the augmented workforce is a response to the rapidly evolving business landscape, characterized by a need for agility, innovation, and heightened productivity.
This model is already being adopted across various industries, as evidenced by insights from the recent report, “Augmented Workforce: Empowering People, Transforming Manufacturing”, by the Economic World Forum in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. That report illustrates the tangible benefits of this integration, such as a 300% improvement in ergonomics and a 50% increase in quality.
These statistics not only highlight the efficiency gains but also the enhancement in employee well-being and safety.
Moreover, the deployment of augmented reality (AR) and other technologies has led to a 70% reduction in training costs and a 20% efficiency gain, as per the same report.
This demonstrates the profound impact of AI in streamlining training processes and improving operational efficiency, making a compelling case for the augmented workforce model.
Applying AI and augmentation technologies
The integration of AI and augmentation technologies in the workplace is not just a futuristic concept, it’s a present reality.
For instance, the use of AI-powered video learning platforms has led to a 50% reduction in training time and a 25% improvement in performance, as highlighted in the WEF report.
In logistics, a sector known for its physical demands, augmentation technologies like exoskeletons have made a significant impact. The introduction of exoskeletons resulted in a 30-40% immediate improvement in posture during work execution, dramatically reducing the physical strain on employees.
Furthermore, the application of augmentation technology in quality and process assurance has achieved remarkable results.
In specific cases, there was a reported 100% success rate in both quality and process assurance, underscoring the potential for significant improvements in production quality and reliability through these technologies.
Related: Top AI in Hiring statistics in 2024
Security and stability concerns
In the age of AI, one of the primary concerns for employees is job security. However, the augmented workforce model offers a reassuring perspective.
Rather than replacing human jobs, AI is augmenting them, creating new opportunities and enhancing existing roles. For instance, IBM’s report indicates that while AI is expected to disrupt 85 million jobs globally between 2020 and 2025, it is also projected to create 97 million new roles.
This shift underscores the transformative nature of AI – it’s not about job elimination but job evolution. The key is to view AI as a partner rather than a threat.
The key is to view AI as a partner rather than a threat.
By automating routine tasks, AI allows employees to focus on more meaningful, impactful work, thereby increasing job satisfaction and security.
This shift necessitates a proactive approach from HR professionals and employers in reskilling and upskilling their workforce to adapt to these new roles.
Embrace a human-centric approach
For HR professionals and SMB employers, adapting to the augmented workforce model involves strategic planning and implementation.
The first step is to embrace a human-centric approach, recognizing that the ultimate goal of technology integration is to enhance human work, not replace it.
Implementing augmentation technology involves a phased approach: starting with the concept phase to identify technologies and assess industrial challenges, followed by the pilot phase to test the technology in practice, and finally, the scaling phase to expand its use and evaluate its broader impact.
Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation is essential.
As AI evolves, so must the skills and capabilities of the workforce. Investing in training and development programs that focus on both technical and soft skills will be key to ensuring that employees are equipped to thrive in an AI-augmented environment.
Related: How is AI used in human resources? 7 ways it helps HR
AI won’t take your job
According to the World Economic Forum’s prediction, the year 2025 will witness the replacement of approximately 85 million jobs by AI. However, this technological advancement is also expected to generate around 97 million new job opportunities.
The transformative impact of AI in the workforce is echoed by industry leaders and experts.
For instance, Robin Bordoli, ex-CEO, Figure Eight, supports that “It’s not about machines replacing humans, but machines augmenting humans. Humans and machines have different relative strengths and weaknesses, and it’s about the combination of these two that will allow human intent and business processes to scale 10x, 100x, and beyond that in the coming years.”
Richard Baldwin put it right.”AI won’t take your job,” he said during a panel at the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Growth Summit. “It’s somebody using AI that will take your job.”
“The most expensive, most talented workers are the ones who have 20 years experience and know how to apply that. THAT’S what #AI does overnight.”
“.. A.I. won’t take your job, it’s somebody USING A.I. that’ll take your job.”@BaldwinRE @wef
pic.twitter.com/lGPKU0UtJp— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) May 2, 2023
These perspectives highlight a common understanding among experts: AI is a tool for enhancement, not replacement.
It’s about using technology to unlock human potential and drive forward innovation in ways previously unimaginable.
The journey towards an AI-augmented workplace is an opportunity for HR to redefine its role, focusing on strategic human capital development and fostering a culture that embraces continuous learning and adaptation.
By doing so, we can ensure that our workforce is not just equipped to handle the challenges of today but is also prepared to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of tomorrow.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the augmented workforce mean?
- It refers to the integration of human skills with AI capabilities, enhancing human work rather than replacing it, leading to increased efficiency and creativity in the workplace.
- How does AI impact job security?
- AI augments rather than replaces jobs, creating new opportunities while transforming existing roles, ultimately leading to job evolution and enhanced job satisfaction.
- What is the role of reskilling in the augmented workforce?
- Reskilling is crucial in the augmented workforce to adapt to new roles created by AI integration, focusing on both technical and soft skills for future readiness.
- How does the augmented workforce benefit businesses?
- Businesses benefit through increased efficiency, innovation, and productivity, with AI handling repetitive tasks and humans focusing on complex, strategic activities.
- What industries are adopting the augmented workforce model?
- Various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, are adopting this model, evidenced by significant improvements in quality, ergonomics, and training efficiency.
