Will AI Take My Job—Or Become My New Coworker?
In education, industry and our personal lives, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to have an outsized impact—just how big, we don’t really know yet. People’s responses are understandably mixed, running the gamut from outright fear to cautious experimentation to wholehearted enthusiasm.
As we explore the limits of what AI can do, even its most passionate supporter has to wonder at some point whether this technology will render us obsolete. In short: Will AI take my job?
It won’t be the first time that new technology has created a major shift in the workplace. In fact, a new study estimates that roughly six out of 10 jobs people are doing today didn’t exist in 1940. “Most work in the U.S. is new work,” says MIT economist David Autor. “Most contemporary jobs require expertise that didn’t exist back then [in 1940], and was not relevant at that time.”
Society changes. Technology changes. Work changes. It’s all happened before, but it’s harder to be complacent when it’s happening to us. We’re now in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and as with all revolutions, there’s a level of discomfort when the future isn’t predictable. “It's understandable that amidst such transformations, employees may experience anxiety and uncertainty about their future roles,” says Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis .
I recently connected with Arora to tackle that persistent question—will AI take our jobs?—and how employees and employers alike can come through this workplace revolution successfully. Here’s what we discussed.
What AI can do
It’s clear that AI possesses amazing capabilities to analyze data and generate content at the click of a button. “AI undoubtedly plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency by tackling repetitive tasks and conducting complex data analysis, thereby optimizing operations,” says Arora. “It can also serve as a catalyst for creativity, offering fresh ideas and perspectives that humans might overlook.”
The applications seem to be endless—from customer service to healthcare to marketing and far beyond—and we’re likely just scratching the surface of what it can do. “AI's capacity to analyze vast amounts of data enables the generation of predictive insights, facilitating informed decision-making across various sectors,” says Arora.
But all this raw power does come with some drawbacks. One big concern, says Arora, is the potential for AI to amplify biases present in the data it's trained on, leading to discriminatory outcomes. “An overreliance on AI without proper human oversight can result in errors and oversights that might otherwise be caught,” he says.
What AI can’t do
As impressive as AI currently is, and as much as it will continue to improve, it will never be human. “AI cannot replicate the ingenuity and innovation inherent in certain human tasks, particularly those requiring creativity and originality,” says Arora.
That’s why soft skills (or as I call them, professional skills), are rising in value as AI and automation are being used for more routine tasks. “It's not about pitting soft skills against hard skills,” says Arora, “rather, it's recognizing how they complement each other to drive success.” More than ever, human workers need both.
Arora points to recent data that shows 57% of HR managers anticipate a rise in the importance of soft skills as AI adoption spreads. “Additionally, 43% foresee a potential skills gap emerging due to this technological shift,” he says. “It's clear that alongside embracing AI, there's a pressing need to invest in upskilling and reskilling efforts, with over 6 in 10 HR managers highlighting their importance in light of these changes.”
Leading in an AI-driven world
How your employees approach AI has a lot to do with how it is received by your organization’s leadership. “Leaders play a pivotal role in preparing their workforce for the imminent AI-dominated landscape,” asserts Arora. “Forty-five percent of HR leaders think companies should have a clear AI policy to successfully transition into an AI-driven future.”
Arora advocates that employers offer AI training to all employees. “Regardless of whether employees work in a technical or non-technical role, AI literacy will be the new must-have skill for all employees,” he says. “It is also recommended for employers to connect with their employees, listen to their concerns and better understand their fears, needs, and challenges.”
Arora points to three action steps leaders can take to create an effective upskilling initiative around AI:
At the same time, with all this focus on AI skills, it could be easy to lose sight of what Arora calls “human-centric skills”—things like creativity, leadership, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. “These are indispensable qualities that will enable individuals to excel in an AI-driven world,” he says. “Therefore, leaders must emphasize the development of these skills alongside technical proficiency, ensuring a well-rounded workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the AI era with confidence and effectiveness.”
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Surviving and thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Arora believes it's crucial to recognize that AI brings opportunities for innovation and growth. “By embracing education and training in AI-related skills, individuals can position themselves for success in the AI-driven future, ensuring their relevance and resilience in the ever-evolving job market.”
In tandem with developing your AI skillset, it’s also important not to neglect your professional skills. “Problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to learn are among the top three in-demand skills highlighted by recent data,” says Arora.
Finally, no one should be panicking about being replaced by AI. “While there's apprehension about job displacement due to AI, forecasts suggest that rather than entirely replacing roles, AI will reshape them, incorporating new responsibilities such as interacting with AI tools,” says Arora.
For employees, the question should not be, “Will AI take my job?” but rather, “How can AI become my new coworker?”
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ABOUT MARK C. PERNA
Mark C. Perna is a generational expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author with a mission to shift the paradigm in workforce development. Mark, who CEOs the strategic consulting firm TFS Results, founded the Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement to help communities connect their education, workforce, and economic pipelines. Find out more at MarkCPerna.com .