AI and the Human Workforce: Are Managers Resisting the Future?

Imagine this: A CEO I know developed a unique AI-based intelligent automation technology, convinced that it would lead to her customers' embracing smaller teams and greater efficiency. After closing a multi-million dollar deal and being delighted to know her software could potentially reduce millions a year in headcount costs, the CEO waited patiently to see what impact her software will make on this huge client. A year later, after implementing the software, nothing changed. The customer still had the same number of people working. The software did not replace the human doing the same job. ?? This real-life story begs the question: Are managers ready to embrace AI and automation, or are they resisting the future?

The Human Touch: Still in Demand

We all know people love that human connection, especially in industries like customer service and healthcare. Personal touch matters and studies have shown that customers respond better to human representatives, even when AI tools can provide the same level of service. Let's face it, we're social creatures, and having a strong human support system at work boosts motivation and engagement.

Bigger Teams, Bigger Egos?

Here's a provocative thought: Are managers reluctant to reduce team sizes because larger workforces signal higher status and bigger organizational budgets? Having a big team is often seen as a badge of success and importance, giving managers more sway and clout. Could the allure of power be slowing down the adoption of AI and automation in the workforce?

The Cold, Hard Facts

According to a 2020 report from the World Economic Forum , 85 million jobs worldwide could be displaced by automation by 2025, while 97 million new roles may emerge. Despite these projections, the reluctance to adopt AI technologies and reduce workforce size persists. The stats don't lie: The future is knocking on our doors, but are we ready to answer?

AI: A Partner, Not a Replacement

Let's get one thing straight: AI and automation aren't here to replace humans. Their purpose is to augment our capabilities, automating repetitive tasks and streamlining processes so that we can focus on higher-level, more creative, and strategic work. AI and automation are not new anymore. The technologies are table stakes for every new software being evaluated today. Users demand intelligent features, and these demands will continue to evolve as our understanding of the possibilities progresses. The smart play for companies is to harness the power of AI to create a more efficient and innovative workforce, not just slash jobs. If workforce costs reduction is in your sales pitch. Think again.