Many have long been wondering if artificial intelligence will displace human employees in the future. Rapid advances in technologies are perceived as a threat in the context of one-sided forecasts. In a 2017 McKinsey Global Institute report, it’s revealed that one-third of activities in 60 percent of occupations are automatable.
While automation and AI augment productivity in some workplaces, they also replace the work done in others. This means they’re capable of transforming almost all industries to some degree. Since it’s happening in a time of economic instability, there are looming fears of mass technological unemployment.
The purpose of this blog post is to remind you that there are two sides to every coin. There may be a correlation between automation and job loss, but there are also ways of future-proofing your career, be it in marketing staffing, accounting staffing, or something else. The secret lies in adapting to AI in the field you’re in now.
AI vs. Humans: The Pros and Cons
Analog and digital machines have been part of our work environments for decades now. We’re just taking one step further with artificial intelligence in the workplace. It makes sense if you’re wary of any new technology, so let’s look at the following:
The advantages of AI in the workplace
- Reduced human error – the decisions taken by AI are decided by a set of algorithms plus gathered information, thereby increasing precision and accuracy
- Reduced risks – instead of humans exploring the deep ocean or going to space, machines with solid metal bodies may be sent to do the job
- Endless availability – except for when they need maintenance, machines keep on working without sleeping, eating, or going on holidays
- Digital assistance – some chatbots are developed to mimic human language and interactions, making it possible for them to respond to queries in place of remote assistants
- Fresh inventions – AI is the driving force behind innovations in practically every field, thereby aiding you in resolving all kinds of issues
- Unbiased choices – being devoid of emotions and rational in its approach, artificial intelligence makes decisions without any biases
- Automated repetition – sending thank-you messages, reviewing documents for flaws, and other repetitive tasks may be assigned to machines
- Daily applications – you likely already see AI at work when using GPS to navigate to your destination or when checking the weather to plan your day
The disadvantages of AI in the workplace
- Increased expenses – Some AI tools require the latest software and hardware to operate at their full potential, so many companies still hire a VA in the Philippines. However, considering the efficiency and productivity boost it can bring, a good AI tool is worth the investment.
- Lack of emotions – while it does have no bias, it can’t provide the same level of empathy, understanding, or emotional support that a human could
How AI is changing the job market
Artificial intelligence and automation come in many different forms, with some more visible than others. It may be embedded in chatbot software to perform natural language generation and processing like ChatGPT. It might also be used for facial and image recognition.
Sometimes, it’s used to control the movements of a vehicle or a robot. There are a number of ways that organisations are working with AI, so it’s easy to see how employees will experience it firsthand. Each of these applications and interactions has the potential to affect the job market.
Will Robots Steal Your Job?
Technology is meant to make human labour more efficient, but innovations may have detrimental effects on employment. Some roles are likely to become obsolete, particularly those that are comprised of routine tasks that are easily learned by machines.
Examples of jobs at risk of being taken over by AI
- Bookkeepers or clerks
- Receptionists
- Proofreaders
- Market research analysts
- Retail sales representatives
- Telemarketers
- Benefits and compensation managers
- Couriers
- Computer support specialists
- Advertising sales representatives
The likelihood of AI completely replacing human jobs
From an optimist’s perspective, technology is set to substitute for certain types of labour. The efficiency gained from technical augmentation outweighs the costs. In many cases, this boosts employment for people who aren’t in direct competition with AI.
Take comfort in the fact that, in the topic of AI vs. human jobs, there will always be jobs safe from AI. The professions that artificial intelligence will not be able to replace range from empathetic fields to creative roles as well as strategic and political positions.
What You Can Do to Stay Ahead
Although AI is unable to fully replace human workers, it will still aid in the advancement of many occupations. For career development in the age of AI, consider the following strategies as an online assistant:
Develop skills that cannot be easily replaced by AI
One of the smartest ways of future-proofing your career is by diversifying your skill set. By possessing a wide range of expertise, you will easily work your way towards a new direction should you need to shift. This also hones your problem-solving skills, which are useful in any field.
Embrace AI and learn how to work alongside it
Rather than fighting the changes, embracing and up-skilling for AI is a better strategy for the long-term. Figure out what AI models your industry will be using and find time to learn them. By being familiar with the tools, you might shift to a career of teaching others about them or creating new systems for integration.
Seek out industries that are safe from AI
Bear in mind that technology isn’t capable of performing everything. Think about areas in your role that a robot won’t be able to take over. It might be your ability to communicate, manage, and lead a team, for instance. Pursue fields that harness these skills so you remain an asset.
Tips for staying competitive in a world with AI
There’s so much out there that human beings stand to learn, and the more you know, the more you’ll stay ahead of technological advancements and your competition. Here are some more tips to have an edge in the future of work with AI:
Become emotionally intelligent
Your EQ is linked to your skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication that robots are unable to emulate. Some ways to cultivate your EQ are by learning to manage your negative emotions, knowing your stressors, and practising self-awareness.
Become a problem-solver
Machines are unable to ask questions related to their purpose of existence. Hence, they are unable to formulate queries that haven’t been asked before. There are likely things in your field that are accepted as norms but are actually problems that may be resolved, so think about them and suggest solutions.
Become a good teammate
Nobody likes to hire staff in the Philippines when they act aggressive or pitiful during the interviews. Nobody likes to keep workers who are always asking favours or selling something to their co-workers too. Become someone who knows how to establish good work relationships the right way.
Conclusion
Rather than demand for technology that’s more adaptable to people, it’s better to be proactive and adaptable in the face of artificial intelligence, automation, and other advances. Accept the fact that the world is going to become even more digitally-driven as time passes and prepare for that.
Also, armies of workers are involved in developing AI today, meaning human labour is essential for the foreseeable future. Outside of development, people are necessary for training others about using new technology, gathering data to train AI models, and addressing exceptions in the system.
Like with the internet, the potential benefits of AI for the job market are tremendous versus the reality of it replacing mundane jobs. Finding jobs used to be limited to browsing newspapers, but now you may connect with a remote recruiter, so you get hired by a global employer online.
We at Remote Workmate see artificial intelligence and technology as tools, not competitors. We believe that they will create more jobs for people and allow more individuals to work from home. See for yourself what kinds of roles are available but were non-existent in the past with us.
Check our listings for admin assistant hiring opportunities!