Deepti Orekondy – With the rapid growth of technology there is growing concern over the possibility that jobs may be replaced by artificial intelligence (“AI”). However, we may be too quick to jump the gun. Although the benefits of technology are vast and the range of its capability is astounding, professionals need not be concerned that they will soon be ousted by technology.
Due to the exponential rate at which artificial intelligence is advancing, numerous studies have been conducted to determine the extent of its capabilities and the likelihood of job displacement. These studies have emphasized that the possibility of job replacement by technology is more complex than it may seem. What is more likely is task automation rather than job automation. With task automation, the addition of artificial intelligence will only require a transformation of the business process as opposed to job automation where artificial intelligence would replace entire jobs.
While professionals need not be frenzied by the possibility that AI will soon displace all their hard work, they should be prepared for its introduction into the work environment. The developing technology has extreme proficiency in a multitude of skills, however the current capabilities are limited. AI cannot fully take over entire occupations. There are still qualities of human interaction and functioning that cannot be adequately translated or performed by AI. But, that is not to say that it is not eventually possible. Supporting this idea, a McKinsey & Company study stated the following:
The magnitude of automation potential reflects the speed with which advances in artificial intelligence and its variants, such as machine learning, are challenging our assumptions about what is automatable. It’s no longer the case that only routine, codifiable activities are candidates for automation and that activities requiring “tacit” knowledge or experience that is difficult to translate into task specifications are immune to automation.
Although, as of now approximately fewer than 5% of jobs can be fully automated using existing technology within the next few years.
Nevertheless, the incorporation of AI into the workplace will demand that businesses redefine and transform the way they operate. With extreme developments in AI happening daily, professionals must be prepared for an onslaught of drastic changes. Employers should be proactive and begin planning ahead to make the transition easier by rethinking their business process and providing their employees with adequate training to help them assimilate to the pending changes. Because of the voracity of the developing technology, professionals must actively work to stay “relevant.” These developments are not a problem that can be left for the next generation to weather and prepare for.
Despite the hassle required to adapt and revamp, many businesses will benefit, reaping optimal output from their employees. Studies have shown that approximately 30% of activities now performed by employees can be automated within approximately 60% of occupations. Removing these tasks from the job duties of employees will increase their work capacity and allow them to be more focused and efficient, ultimately producing a higher quality work product.
While impending change is on the horizon, possibly as soon as 2020, professionals need not fear that the rising technology will entirely supersede their role in the workplace, but rather they need to prepare to work alongside it.
