The Impact of Automation And AI On the Future of Work
People have been worried about changing technology since “technology” was a word. The printing press and the industrial revolution, and the internet all created a certain level of panic. Technological advancements have, especially in recent years, caused more commotion. Thanks to AI and automation, people are worried about job loss and a crashing economy. But that hasn’t happened yet. And it probably won’t happen like that.
AI and automation have made some jobs obsolete, but they’ve also been creating jobs. And while this may seem daunting and too fast, improving technology can help save lives and make jobs easier. The purpose of technology is to help people live better, healthier lives. They should take away stress and let you focus on more important things, like interpersonal relationships and the world we live in.
While a lot is uncertain right now, there are some predictions about how the future will look due to AI and automation in the workplace. It may not be what you expect, but it shouldn’t be cause for alarm. Learning about these tools is a great first step in adapting to today’s constant changes.
The Beginning of AI and Automation
AI and automation can be traced back to the industrial revolution in the 18th century and even before. During the industrial revolution, new machines and technologies were developed that significantly increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing. This led to a shift in the workforce, as machines replaced many manual labor jobs.
In the 20th century, robots were introduced to the workforce. These machines were initially used primarily in manufacturing and assembly line production. They could perform repetitive tasks more quickly and accurately than humans, requiring less maintenance and downtime. As a result, many jobs that humans once did were taken over by robots.
The impact of automation and robots on the workforce has been significant and cannot be overlooked. On the one hand, they have greatly increased productivity and efficiency, leading to lower prices and a higher standard of living for consumers. On the other, they have also led to job displacement and increased competition for jobs that require advanced skills and education.
These technologies, especially AI-related tech, have grown considerably in the past few years. In the space of a year, more AI bots are available to use than ever before, and their technological abilities have greatly increased. With the development of sophisticated AI technologies, the capabilities and scope of automation will continue to expand, and the way we think about work, jobs, and the economy is also evolving.
The Big Changes
AI and automation change how things work. They completely shift job dynamics and change not only who is doing what jobs but what jobs need to be done by people.
The point of these technologies is to make things easier, more accurate, and more efficient. One of the most notable ways AI and automation have changed the workplace is by automating routine and repetitive tasks. This includes tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and customer service. Automation has made it possible for these tasks to be done quickly and accurately, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.
Another way AI and automation have changed the workplace is through improved communication and collaboration. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants can now handle routine customer inquiries, allowing human customer service representatives to focus on more complex issues. Additionally, AI-powered tools can help teams to share and collaborate on information in real time, regardless of location.
But other changes have felt more drastic and sudden and caused significant rifts in certain industries. Think about all the things you can now do without needing someone else. You can use self-checkout at the grocery store. And soon, you may be able to take a car that drives itself. You can look something up on the internet instead of calling someone or going to a library to look it up.
Many different tools have developed over time, changing how things work and what requires a human touch. While this can be great and allow people to access more information and move faster, it can cause worry for the future.
Will AI and Automation Take Your Job?
With AI technology improving every day, many people are asking this question. And many have every right to be worried. But worrying won’t solve the problem, and there may not be a problem. Not every job will be taken by automation and AI tools, and many of these advancements will create more jobs.
Many of these advancements require people on board to do all the work. AI’s require continual attention and training to ensure they function correctly and learn how they are designed to learn. And a massive amount of jobs come from these companies building new technology.
Jobs At Risk
It can be difficult to predict exactly who and what will be at risk with AI and automation advancements, but it has been happening for a long time. Automation has been taking over many jobs; it is simply happening at a faster rate now that technology is on such an upward trajectory. AI will likely take over specific jobs like data input and other repetitive tasks. Some of the jobs more at risk due to advancing automation include:
- Data entry and data processing jobs
- Manufacturing and assembly line jobs
- Transportation and logistics jobs such as truck and taxi drivers
- Retail sales and customer service jobs
- Telemarketing and telemarketing jobs
- Bookkeeping, accounting and financial analysis jobs
- Call center and customer service jobs
- Banking and financial services jobs such as loan officers and financial analysts
- Administrative and secretarial jobs
More Stable
Jobs that require a human touch, involving creativity or autonomy, are less likely to be taken over. Some of the jobs unlikely to be as impacted by AI include:
- Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists
- Personal care providers such as hairstylists, makeup artists, and massage therapists
- Artists and designers
- Construction workers and tradespeople
- Service-oriented roles that involve human interaction and emotional intelligence, such as social workers, counselors, and customer service representatives.
- Educators and trainers
- Law enforcement and emergency responders
- Agricultural workers
- Chefs and cooks
- Human resources and recruitment professionals
However, as AI has shown, even art can be created through an artificial lens for mass consumption. It is generally best to assume your job may be impacted by technological growth and learn how to make the best of it. People are unlikely to suddenly get rid of all technology, as it is now thoroughly built into our everyday lives. We wake up and look at our phones or our smart watches linked to our phones connected to the internet connected to everyone else. And that’s just in the first five minutes.
More Jobs
While AI may replace millions of jobs in the next five to ten years, it should create even more in the same timeframe. Taking advantage of these opportunities and growing with technology can keep you a step ahead and let you breathe easier. It won’t be the simplest transition, but technology is here to stay, so it is a good idea to learn how to adapt to it and use it to benefit you.
The exact amount of jobs that will be created through advancements in technology is impossible to estimate, but most of the automated jobs should easily be replaced by more. Many will be on the technical side. Some that are likely to be created or grow in the coming years include:
- Data Analysts and Scientists
- AI Developers and Engineers
- Machine Learning Engineers
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineers
- Computer Vision Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- AI Consultants
- AI Product Managers
- AI Sales and Marketing Professionals
How To Prepare For AI and Automation
Preparing for technological changes, specifically the advancement of AI and automation, can be done in several ways. The first step is to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending conferences and workshops, and following thought leaders in the field on social media and other channels. Staying informed will help you feel more prepared and allow you to keep up with how things are changing.
Build New Skills
Another critical step is to develop a diverse set of skills. As AI and automation become more prevalent, jobs that require repetitive or routine tasks will be at risk of being automated. However, jobs requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence are less likely to be automated. Therefore, it is essential to focus on developing and honing these skills.
Diversify your resume and learn new things. Use this as an excuse or opportunity to pick up a new hobby or passion that could benefit you later. Continuous learning and upskilling are key to staying relevant in the age of AI and automation. This can be done through formal education, such as taking courses or earning a degree, or through self-directed learning, such as learning a new language or computer program.
Utilize AI and Automation
It is also important to be aware of the potential impact of AI and automation on society as a whole. This includes understanding the ethical implications of the technology, as well as the potential for job displacement and the need for retraining and re-skilling.
When you are learning about how AI can impact work, also study what it can offer. Are there ways you could use AI to already make your job easier? These tools are developed to provide people with more efficient access to information and skillsets. See how you can use them in your own work and find ways to make AI work for you.
Adapt
Finally, it is essential to be adaptable and open to change. As technology continues to evolve, new jobs and industries will likely emerge, and being open to exploring new opportunities will be crucial for staying competitive in the job market. If you’re worried about the longevity of your job, start researching what else is out there and how you can prepare. You don’t have to wait and see if AI will take over your job in a few years. You can start working toward a better future right now, regardless of where technology goes.
Looking And Moving Forward
The most important thing to remember about the increase of AI and automation is that change is inevitable, and the best way to prepare is to accept that and start using it to your advantage. With new technology comes new challenges and new career fields. Look into what these might look like and see if any may interest you. Are there areas of your life that you never explored because you were busy pursuing a very niche field? Take this as an opportunity to open up to new possibilities.
The future cannot stop approaching, and technology is unlikely to stop growing and improving. By embracing those facts, you set yourself up for a brighter and more interesting future. Remaining open to the coming changes will help you adapt and start on the right foot. We cannot fully predict what will happen, but you can prepare and have a good chance of success by knowing things will continue to change and shift. If you want to learn more about embracing change, check out this webinar to improve your skills and prepare for a brighter future.
