It’s Coming: Mass Layoff in 2025 – AI and Automation Will Collapse the Job Market. Get Ready.5th Edition
Moss M. Jacques
Executive Business Consultant, Award-winning Author, Thought Leader, Innovative Entrepreneur, Subject Matter Expert in Business Process Re-engineering, Operational Excellence, and AI Digital Transformation.
The Brief:
Editorializing on the Most Important Headline.
As we approach 2025, significant changes are expected to sweep through the job market due to the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technology. The advantages of improved efficiency and economic opportunities that AI brings are accompanied by the risks it presents to employment systems. These shifts have the potential to drive progress while also shaking up labor markets akin to the Industrial Revolution. Effects such as mass layoffs, labor displacement, and growing inequalities are all predicted outcomes that demand action and strategic solutions for effective mitigation.
The Growth of AI and Automation
In the last decade or so, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have made their way into industries that used to resist change with progress in areas like robotics and language processing empowering AI to excel in tasks ranging from data analysis and customer service to overseeing production lines and supply chains. AI showcases its proficiency in handling data sets while also showcasing an ability to learn and adjust to information, with a precision that exceeds what most humans can achieve.??
Automation has progressed significantly with the development of robots in industries like manufacturing making assembly tasks more cost-effective than before while also minimizing errors in the process. Moreover, the testing of vehicles and drones in transportation and logistics poses a threat to job security, for drivers and warehouse workers.?
"Why choose the year 2025, as the tipping point?"
In discussions and predictions of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the year 2025 stands out as a turning point for various reasons. One significant factor is the advancement of AI technology, towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) by the year 2025. According to experts' predictions, it is anticipated that various industries such as retail (featuring automated stores without cashiers) transportation (involving self-driving trucks and delivery drones) and, customer service (utilizing AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants) will witness the adoption of autonomous systems.
In today’s business landscape, where companies are striving to bounce from the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 economic downturns that followed it, the push for integrating AI and automation has never been stronger than it is now due to the economic pressures at play. With labor shortages becoming a pressing issue in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, businesses are increasingly looking towards advancements to streamline operations and maintain an edge in the market. The growing accessibility and affordability of AI technologies are prompting businesses to consider replacing labor with automated solutions as a means to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
The current social and political environment sets the stage for changes in the workforce landscape. The global governance bodies are facing challenges with progress dwindling job opportunities and an expanding wealth disparity. Noteworthy experts in policies suggest that integrating AI technologies may usher in an era of productivity. However, the lack of foresight and oversight could potentially result in job displacements.
The Impact on Jobs: Who’s at Risk?
The effects of artificial intelligence and automation will ripple through every sector; however, certain industries and types of employment are especially at risk.
In manufacturing, industry advancements are paving the way for industrial robots to take over tasks like assembly line work, quality control, and machine operations, leading to a displacement of workers. Many entry-level roles in manufacturing are currently facing the threat of automation, and even skilled positions could be affected as soon as 2025.
The retail and service sectors are seeing a shift towards cashier stores and self-checkout options along with automated customer service representatives like chatbots, which could lead to a decrease in job opportunities for workers in the future. In addition to this trend, fast food chains are exploring automated kiosks and robotic kitchen assistants to streamline tasks such as food prep and order processing.
The rise of self-driving technology poses a threat to professions in transportation and logistics, such as truck drivers, delivery personnel, and taxi drivers. The competition among companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber to enhance autonomous vehicles is intensifying with the potential to replace a significant number of drivers in the industry.
In the field of finance and accounting, today’s advanced AI algorithms are capable of carrying out evaluations and risk appraisals while also making investment choices. This could lead to the substitution of human accountants, analysts, and financial consultants, with these AI-powered solutions. These software programs driven by AI can efficiently manage amounts of information much quicker and more precisely than any individual ever could.
AI shows promise in transforming healthcare by speeding up diagnoses and tailoring treatment plans to individuals. It may also lead to administrative jobs and a decrease in certain specialized roles. Roles like transcriptionists, radiologists, and pharmacy technicians, could potentially be impacted as AI technology assumes responsibilities in these areas.
The Societal Impact: A Growing Divide
The increasing integration of AI and automation into aspects of society is expected to bring about changes with implications that are still unfolding before us. There is an indication of a discrepancy emerging between individuals who are able to adjust to the evolving AI-centric economy and those who struggle to do so.
In the era of AI advancement and innovation in fields like technology and data analysis, there will be plenty of opportunities for those who possess the skills to succeed. New job roles will emerge in AI-related areas, such as machine learning development and cybersecurity which will offer salaries and job stability in industries shaping the economy.
For individuals employed in repetitive positions, the outlook seems grim. These workers are likely to encounter job cuts and displacement without avenues, for acquiring new skills or undergoing training. Even roles previously deemed immune to automation —like tasks or managerial positions—could be overtaken by AI-driven technologies for managing data input, scheduling tasks, and making decisions more effectively.
The widening gap may result in inequality and instability, in society with the potential for increased unrest and political turmoil looming on the horizon if a large number of individuals are left jobless or underemployed without promising opportunities ahead of them. Governments will face the challenge of addressing the needs of these displaced workers by considering options such as social welfare programs or training initiatives, on a scale to support them during this transition period.
Preparing for the Future: What Can Be Done?
The AI era surely poses some hurdles to overcome. It also offers chances for those to adjust accordingly. There are a couple of tactics worth exploring:
Reskilling and Lifelong Learning: Learning and skill development are essential, for workers in today’s changing landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Adapting to the shifting demands of the job market in tech-driven fields like coding and data analysis or AI management roles requires a mindset focused on learning. To support this transition towards career paths and opportunities in emerging industries driven by AI technologies and digital advancements, governments need to prioritize investing in reskilling programs alongside businesses and educational institutions. The demand for expertise in coding skills, data analysis, or AI management is expected to rise prompting the need for individuals to be proactive, in acquiring these competencies.
Policy and Regulation: Governments should take the lead in setting rules and guidelines for the integration of AI and automation to address the economic challenges that may arise from it. This involves implementing measures to safeguard workers from dismissals, promoting companies to offer training programs and, considering other options to help workers facing financial hardship.
Ethical AI Development: It is important for technology firms to think about how their advancements affect society responsibly. The integration of AI should be aimed at supporting employees, not completely replacing them, and reflecting a thoughtful approach to technological progress. Established standards and monitoring mechanisms play a role in guaranteeing that AI serves the greater good of society, as a whole.
Business Leadership: Firms must take charge with a sense of duty by making sure their employees are ready, for shifts in the industry. This involves investing in training programs to enhance skills and offering assistance, to displaced workers while promoting a work environment that embraces change.
The Future is Now
The rise of AI and automation is not an occurrence. It is happening now, and, in just a few months, by 2025 its effects on the workforce will be evident to all. Threatened job losses, economic changes, and possible societal chaos loom if proactive measures are not taken. However, given readiness and effort from employees, firms, and authorities the upheaval can be managed effectively resulting in a resilient outcome post-transition. The outlook for work remains ambiguous but one fact remains certain; the present moment is crucial, for readiness.
The Scope:
Showcasing the Focal Point of This Edition.
How will automation and AI reshape the workforce?
As automation and AI technologies rapidly advance, concerns about their impact on jobs continue to grow. Here, Jonathan Small explores how AI is reshaping the workforce and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to its integration.
The Guardian?recently published an article titled?‘AI Apocalypse Could Take Away 8 Million UK Jobs’, which, while sounding extreme, raises important points. The?Institute for Public Policy Research?has recently outlined that the demographics most at risk of job loss from AI are women, younger workers, and those in lower-paid jobs.
Hesitation to allow AI into the workplace is totally understandable. It’s a relatively new technology growing at an unimaginable rate, and only the most tech-savvy can keep up.?
Link: https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2024/09/17/how-will-automation-and-ai-reshape-the-workforce
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