Exploring the future of jobs and the positive impact of AI

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market is the talk of every corporate discussion. The AI job replacement scenario is real in the minds of job seekers and recruiters alike. This conundrum is more complex than it seems. But, do you really believe it is easy to wipe out the value brought by human capital in any organization?  

According to the World Economic Forum, there will be no job shortage in the future, even with AI. Their discussion is focused on the disproportionate amount of new jobs created in the world. In fact, organizations can harness the power of AI and human intelligence to strike a balance. 

Will AI replace jobs? This question is not pertinent in the current or future job markets. The right question to ask is – Will AI bring value? The clear answer is yes! 

How does AI fit into the changing work dynamics?

Automation is the superpower of artificial intelligence. Organizations leverage it to automate mundane repetitive tasks, requiring minimal human intervention. 

Does this mean AI will take over jobs? No. It simply means AI will take over jobs with repetitive tasks, enabling the human resource to be employed in more valuable tasks. It requires the reskilling of human capital to sharpen their creative bend and match the pace of technological development.

The U.S. job market supports this narrative. According to Statista, 25% of Americans, aged between 30 to 44 years, believe AI will create more jobs in the future rather than artificial intelligence replacing human intelligence. Check out 10 new jobs created with AI in the workplace. 

The hiring managers’ perspective

From a business perspective, AI is a great tool to boost productivity. Businesses are looking at a more measured picture by exploring the idea of AI implementation in their operations. Based on IBM’s analysis, around 77% of organizations have either implemented or are in the process of including AI in their operations. They know its direct implication on workforce displacement and the panic amongst workers. Their immediate action is to join the reskilling revolution to upskill their workforce for valuable administrative work. They are also aware that employees are asking questions like – Will AI replace humans? So, they are leaving no stone unturned to maintain the positive mindset of their human talent. 

Recruiters’ strategies to counter the AI-job loss narrative

New technology and jobs

The AI revolution paints a picture of a highly advanced world with new jobs and opportunities. According to Forbes, potential new jobs will be created to manage artificial intelligence, including AI integration specialists, AI compliance managers, VR experience designers, and AI application developers. So, artificial intelligence will not replace jobs. It will require human resources with all-new skill sets. 

Skill assessment 

We all know how workplace evolution takes place every few decades. To be honest, it is not a new phenomenon. It means organizations will use a skill-assessment mechanism to hire workers. The majority of businesses are using AI candidate sourcing and AI recruiting to hire the right candidate with the perfect job fit. 

Talent development

Talent development is a focus area of the majority of organizations. They are aware of the fear in the job market about the uncertainties brought by AI. The World Economic Forum states that around 1.1 billion job transformations will happen in the next decade. Here, “transformation” is the operative word. Many businesses are providing on-the-job training and learning opportunities for talent development. Moreover, they are hopeful about the changes in government policies to empower employees with learning opportunities and funding. 

The employees’ perspective

The workers’ perspective on AI job replacement is clearly divided. The latest survey by Statista suggests that different age groups, ranging from 18 to 65 years responded differently on the subject. While some are hopeful about the future of the job market, others are fearful.

Another survey suggests that 3 out of 4 people use AI at work to ease their tasks and fulfill work commitments. Both surveys may seem contradicting at first but if you observe keenly, transformation is already happening! 

Employees’ strategies to counter the AI-job loss narrative

Upskill and reskill

Don’t you feel skills are the strongest assets of our species? We believe they save us from the uncertainties in life like no other asset can. The job market is no different. Every few decades, there is a lateral shift that requires extra effort to change the pace. The employees have gauged the reality and are already upskilling and reskilling. Many see it as an opportunity to prove their value in the organization. Online certifications, executive courses, and training programs are registering a record number of people. It shows the commitment to stay ahead of the curve. 

Command a premium wage

With upskilling and reskilling, talents know their improved worth at the workplace. Will AI replace humans? This speculative concern is not on their radar. They know the changing work dynamic and the power of accepting the change. It has given them a new outlook towards the job market. New talents are looking for opportunities that match their potential. Also, employees with skills and certifications are getting acknowledgement from the management with perks, rewards, and awards. 

The bright side: a future with AI at the workplace

The future of the job market suggests not to fear the change but to embrace it. It opens the door to opportunities to get better-paying jobs. The preconceived notion that AI and humans have similar qualities and abilities is misaligned. In all honesty, the nuances make it interesting by bringing intuition, emotional intelligence, and sensitivity to the workplace.