AI is not on the verge of replacing employees in the near future. A prominent tech company emphasizes that those who leverage AI will eventually outperform those who don't.
(Photo : Richard Pohle/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON - JULY 23: Workers at one of the 19 national pandemic flu service call centres in the country, answer calls from people concerned about swine flu, July 23, 2009 in London, England.
Augmenting Human Workforce Through AI
When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), IBM emphasizes a collaborative approach rather than job replacement. AI isn't set to take over human roles anytime soon, instead, IBM underscores the value of people using AI tools, as discussed in their report about AI's effects on businesses.
More and more companies are embracing AI to streamline tasks, freeing up employees to focus on specialized activities that require their unique skills. It's important to remember that AI functions based on its training. So, concerns about AI replacing human jobs and outperforming us need to be balanced.
Looking ahead, there's a notable shift on the horizon. IBM's conversations with industry leaders indicate that about 40% of the workforce will need to enhance their skills in the next few years due to the integration of AI and automation. This emphasizes the importance of proactive skill development to adapt to the evolving work landscape influenced by the potential of AI.
Also read: AI Shakes Up Tech Industry With Layoffs, Shifts in Workforce Strategy
In conversations with IBM, approximately 87 percent of executives expressed the view that people's roles wouldn't be supplanted but rather amplified by generative AI. The most profound transformations are likely to be experienced by lower-level employees, with entry-level positions anticipated to bear the brunt of these changes.
This development emerges three months after IBM's CEO, Arvind Krishna, delivered a somewhat unsettling proclamation, hinting at the possibility of ceasing human hiring for roles vulnerable to automation. Krishna pointed out that within a five-year span, AI and automation could potentially replace around 30 percent of IBM's workforce of 26,000 employees.
Adopting This Method
In recent years, Interesting Engineering reported that esteemed institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Edinburgh have established programs to tackle the ethical considerations of AI and guide professionals in erecting safeguards around this technology.
Moreover, open online education platforms offer an array of programs, degrees, and certifications centered on AI and machine learning, hoping to attract individuals aiming to enrich their skill sets.
LinkedIn's Future of Work Report, unveiled in August 2023, casts a spotlight on Singapore's impressive advancement. Among LinkedIn members, Singaporeans are at the forefront in embracing AI, with a notable surge in members showcasing their AI skills on their profiles.
Following Singapore's lead, countries such as Finland, Ireland, India, and Canada are also significantly contributing to this upward trend of incorporating AI skills.
AI skills are being adopted not only by individuals predominantly involved in the technology sector but also by those working in fields such as retail, education, and financial services. STEM skills are swiftly becoming a fundamental prerequisite, indicating that they will be essential for entry-level positions.
Meanwhile, managerial roles are expected to place greater emphasis on nurturing interpersonal abilities, efficient time management, and collaborative proficiencies.
Related Article: Gen Z Graduates See AI-Driven Workforce as Opportunity to Flourish
