“You are about to become obsolete. You think you are special, and that whatever it is that you are doing is impossible to replace. You are wrong. As we speak, millions of algorithms created by computer scientists are frantically running on servers all over the world, with one sole purpose: do whatever humans can do, but better.”

‘Robots Will Steal Your Job, But That’s OK’ by Federico Pistono

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here.

We’ve all heard the stories of driverless trains, customer service chatbots, and more.

Estonia is soon to start trialling ‘Robo Judges‘ in law courts.

The WEF says 75 million jobs are at risk.

Thankfully, it also says that there will be 130 million new jobs created too.

WEF Future of Jobs 6

Kiran K. Garimella‘s recent comments on the issue were interesting:

“Here is what I believe about AI and job loss:

  • Q: Will automation, specifically AI-driven automation, eliminate jobs?
  • A: Yes. Lots of them and in the most unexpected ways and at an unexpected pace.
  • Q: Will lost jobs be replaced by other jobs, just as it happened so far throughout history?
  • A: Only to a limited extent; there will be a massive net loss of jobs. I know many scientists and thought-leaders whom I respect a lot are predicting a huge increase in AI-related jobs to more or less compensate for the losses. I think this time they are wrong. When jobs were lost to mechanization, jobs for the mind opened up. What will happen when jobs for the mind become unnecessary or uneconomical?”

It takes me back to one of my first jobs. I had to convince a group of angry workers that a new piece of machinery would actually strengthen their employment security.

I’m no Luddite, but I’m not sure what I would be telling those workers now.

AI's impact on HR

Thankfully, industry leaders like Al Adamsen, Ann Lustig, Kevin Empey, Tom Haak, Ian Bailie, David Green, John Gillen, and others show that there is a lot to be positive about with AI and the world of work.

For people working in the Human Resources industry, the news is good, particularly if your work involves any of these skills:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Innovation
  • Active learning and learning strategies
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Complex problem-solving
  • Leadership and social influence
  • And other similar skill sets.
WEF Future of Jobs 3

My View

AI is amazing but I believe it will require more leadership and communication than we realise.

What do you think? #