Generative A.I. and the Future of Work

Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Bard, has been raising questions about the future of jobs involving creativity, especially writing. While AI may not entirely replace human creativity, it can certainly assist with idea generation, editing, and handling repetitive content creation tasks. The World Economic Forum's "The Future of Jobs Report 2020 " estimates that AI will replace 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025, but it will also create 97 million new ones.

In a more recent study , Goldman Sachs economists predict that up to 300 million full-time jobs worldwide could be impacted by the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT. According to their report, 18% of work globally has the potential to be automated, with advanced economies feeling the effects more than emerging markets. White-collar jobs, such as administrative work and legal professions, are expected to be more vulnerable to AI automation compared to manual labour positions, like construction or repair work.

In the United States and Europe, nearly two-thirds of existing jobs face some level of AI automation, with up to a quarter of all work potentially being performed entirely by AI. The rapid development of generative AI, such as ChatGPT and the recently unveiled GPT-4, could cause significant disruptions in the labour market. However, Goldman Sachs economists note that while job losses are likely, technological innovation has historically led to long-term employment growth.

Despite the potential upheaval, widespread AI adoption could ultimately increase labour productivity and contribute to a 7% annual growth in global GDP over a decade. While AI may complement rather than substitute most jobs, workers in partially exposed occupations can expect to see 25% to 50% of their workload replaced by AI. The combination of labour cost savings, new job creation, and productivity boosts for non-displaced workers may result in a labour productivity boom akin to those seen with the advent of electric motors and personal computers.

The Era of the Creative Generalist

In the era of AI, we may witness a shift towards embracing creative generalists rather than specialists in a single field. As AI advances and outpaces human expertise in various domains, individuals with knowledge and passion across multiple areas are likely to thrive in the upcoming era. With AI's ability to abstract complex skills, individuals can focus on understanding the general workings of a field while machines handle the rest.

For instance, a graphic designer can use AI-powered tools to transform a comic book into a 3D production without needing expertise in 3D modelling, camera movement, blending, or motion capture. Just a few years ago, this production level would have been nearly impossible for a single person to achieve. However, with generative AI, individuals can now accomplish sophisticated tasks across different domains, revolutionising how we approach work and creativity. The emergence of AI tools will empower generalists to excel in various fields, challenging the traditional notion of specialising from an early age.

The key is to adapt and prepare employees for the changes AI will bring to the workplace, which will require a multifaceted approach.

1. Providing comprehensive AI training:

To ensure employees are ready for the integration of AI, companies should focus on providing training on the basics of AI, its capabilities, limitations, and potential impact on the organization and employees. This includes understanding the fundamental concepts of AI, such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Additionally, teaching employees how to use AI tools and software that may be introduced in the workplace is crucial, enabling them to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven environment.

1. Strengthening employees' soft skills:

Another essential aspect is strengthening employees' soft skills, such as verbal and written communication, listening, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and teamwork. AI technology cannot perform these skills and will remain invaluable in the workplace. As AI automates repetitive tasks, the demand for employees with strong soft skills will increase, making it vital for companies to invest in developing these skills among their workforce.

1. Offering hands-on AI experience:

Giving employees hands-on experience in AI is also important. Assigning them to AI-related projects aligning with their skills and interests, and forming cross-functional teams can help them learn from each other and collaborate effectively. These projects can include tasks such as data cleaning, feature engineering, and model building. By working directly with AI technologies, employees will develop a deeper understanding of how AI can be used to improve their work and drive innovation.

1. Accessible upskilling resources:

As AI becomes more accessible and permeates various aspects of work and daily life, upskilling has become more accessible. Educational resources like blogs, YouTube videos, and AI organizations' tutorials can help employees develop their skills. Companies can also partner with educational institutions and online learning platforms to provide employees with courses and certifications in AI-related fields, further enhancing their knowledge and expertise.

1. Educating employees about the advantages of automation:

Finally, it's essential to educate employees about the advantages of automation. Emphasizing the value of AI-driven automation in reducing manual, repetitive tasks can help alleviate employees' concerns about job displacement and encourage them to embrace the technology. By understanding the potential impact of automation on their jobs, employees can leverage AI to work on more complex tasks and focus on areas where human input is irreplaceable.

While adopting AI will inevitably disrupt industries and change the nature of jobs, it also presents new opportunities and ways of working. Companies need to foster a culture of learning and continuous development to help employees stay engaged, motivated and prepared for the integration of AI in the workplace. By investing in employee training, developing soft skills, providing hands-on AI experiences, and promoting a positive attitude toward automation, companies can ensure their workforce is well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI.

and now try this...

ChatGPT prompt: "Help me identify emerging trends and developments in Al and suggest ways to adapt my skillset and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Make a table, example - Trends, Developments, Suggestions, Skills needed, resources links."

?? disclaimer

In that extensive post, I delved deep into the captivating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the future of work, drawing insights from several thought-provoking articles. I highly recommended reading the full articles to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject and benefit from the rich information they provided.

?? sources and resources:

?? https://www.allabtai.com/generative-ai/

?? https://observer.com/2023/03/generative-a-i-may-replace-300-million-jobs-goldman-sachs-study/

?? https://theconversation.com/ai-could-make-more-work-for-us-instead-of-simplifying-our-lives-199554

?? https://singularityhub.com/2023/03/22/ai-wont-kill-our-jobs-it-will-kill-our-job-descriptions-and-leave-us-better-off/

?? https://www.gatesnotes.com/The-Age-of-AI-Has-Begun

?? https://www.euractiv.com/section/artificial-intelligence/news/generative-ai-keeps-creative-industries-on-their-toes/

?? https://thenextweb.com/news/new-jobs-generative-ai-future