Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work Part 1

By 2020, the Granule Economy will replace the Gigi Economy. You read it first. AI and automation will transform employment and the definition of work.

Six years ago, this month I started researching and analyzing the impacts of advanced technologies from big data, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and automation on employment and the future of work.

How would companies incorporate these new technologies, how would we change our behaviors as we adapted and how would these changes impact our business and employment models?

Two years ago, my focus has shifted to artificial intelligence, automation, and quantum computing.

The majority of the information continues to focus on the tactical aspects of the future of work, how many employees will need to be reskilled, or who will lose their job, or how will AI changed the metrics for measuring every part of an employee’s day.

Before, developing the initiative checklist, a strategic overview of how all these changes will radically transform how we perform our jobs must be done first. To develop a solid, durable strategy for the future, viewing the landscape from the top of the forest first must occur before changing the underneath landscape or individual trees.

Without a doubt, the current liner employment model is evolving into a structure shaped like a sphere. From my research, within the next 5 – 10 years middle management will most likely become obsolete once AI systems are fully integrated into TSMs (talent management systems).

Imagine a digital beehive, where workers come and go based on the project work that needs to be performed. System thinkers (professionals who possess both creative thinking and strategic skills and talents) will oversee the process, managing both the machine and the human element.

I also believe as AI is used from an HR perspective to measure every part of employee’s day, companies will hire professionals for incremental granular work. Think gig workers sitting at their computers, moving from one tactical task to the next. Pay will be determined by hours worked or project task completed. Similar to how Amazon pays royalties on music and books read through Prime Accounts.

Will the granular economy replace the gig economy? 

We are at the beginning of the next phase.  When I wrote You Posted What!? in 2014, about how big data, predictive analytics and recruiting startups were disrupting both higher education and how candidates found jobs.

The disruptions occurring are just the tip of the iceberg. Much of what was discussed in the book, has come to pass. The future of work, we are designing today, must be developed with a new viewpoint instead of using an old mindset to build something new for the future.