Artificial intelligence and employment: perspectives and opportunities

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an ever-advancing technology that is transforming various aspects of our society, including the workplace. One of the most debated topics regarding AI is whether this technology will put many people out of work. Some experts argue that AI will replace a large number of workers, while others argue that AI will simply restructure and redefine existing jobs. In this article, we will explore this topic and discuss the different perspectives on it.

What do the statistics say?

According to a recent report by Resume Builder, 37% of business leaders surveyed said that AI replaced workers in 2020. Additionally, 44% predicted that there will be layoffs by 2024 due to AI efficiency. These numbers may seem alarming, but keep in mind that they do not necessarily reflect the reality of all industries and companies.

Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist at Resume Builder, points out that many traditional organizations and small businesses have not yet fully adopted AI technology. Therefore, these numbers might not represent the full picture of the business environment. Companies that do not adopt AI are likely to be less affected in terms of worker replacement.

The potential of AI to improve productivity

Despite reports of AI-related layoffs, many experts argue that this technology has the potential to improve productivity and allow workers to focus on higher-value tasks. Alex Hood, chief product officer at Asana, a project management and collaboration software company, estimates that about half of the time we spend at work is spent on what he calls work about work. This includes status updates, communication between departments, and other tasks that are not the core of our responsibilities.

If AI can reduce the amount of time spent on these tasks, this could be beneficial for workers, as they could focus on more strategic and creative tasks. Marc Cenedella, founder of Leet Resumes and Ladders, compares this transformation to the elimination of typists in offices thanks to the efficiency of word processors. AI could allow workers to focus on defining and structuring task-based work, potentially creating new job opportunities.

Human-Centered AI

It is important to note that not all AI applications aim to replace workers. Some companies, such as Asana, advocate for human-centered AI, which seeks to enhance people’s skills and collaboration rather than replace them entirely. According to Asana's State of AI at Work 2023 report, the more people understand human-centered AI, the more they believe it will have a positive impact on their work.

It's true that some office and administrative tasks can be automated using AI, but this doesn't necessarily mean that workers will be replaced. For example, while AI can perform data analysis, someone is still needed to interpret the results and make decisions based on them. Instead of eliminating jobs, AI could improve efficiency and free up workers to focus on tasks that require uniquely human skills.

Personal responsibility and adapting to change

In an AI-driven environment, professionals must be willing to adapt and develop new skills. According to Cenedella, modern workers have a responsibility to continue learning and acquiring new skills. Technology changes rapidly, and those who don't keep up could be left behind in the labor market.

While it's true that some jobs can be automated, it's also true that AI creates new job opportunities. For example, the growing demand for AI experts and software developers is a clear example of this. Workers who are able to adapt and acquire AI-related skills will have a competitive advantage in the job market.

While it is true that artificial intelligence is transforming the work environment, it is not necessarily true that it will put many people out of work. While some tasks can be automated, AI also has the potential to improve productivity and allow workers to focus on higher-value tasks. Furthermore, human-centered AI seeks to enhance people's skills and collaboration rather than completely replace them.

To avoid being left behind in an AI-driven environment, it is important for professionals to adapt and develop new skills. Those who are able to adapt to change and acquire AI-related skills will have better job opportunities in the future.