How Misconceptions about AI, Automation, and Employment Are Holding Businesses Back
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Loading... - Karel Jezek
- 15 Jul 2022
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Since the introduction of technology, news and media headlines still ask the question, “Will artificial intelligence steal jobs from hard-working people?” The answer is “No.” Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) lead to more efficient work processes that benefit the economy, reduce outsourced roles abroad and create more onshore jobs that prioritize innovation and growth, resulting in higher job satisfaction. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy added a record 6.4 million new jobs in 2021, despite technology’s impact and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Combine that statistic with record-breaking numbers of resignations during a period termed the Great Resignation, and pandemic-related shifts in the job landscape, it’s clear the state of employment is being pummeled by a colossal wave of change. Businesses that are taking the lead amidst the shifting sands of today’s employment environment are positioning leaders and workers at all levels who embrace automation.
Common Misconceptions about Automation
Familiar is comfortable, even if what’s familiar to someone is a problem. After all, a familiar issue at least has a familiar solution, right? However, a familiar task or solution is exactly the type of activity that should be automated to provide time and space for organizations to get out of a daily rut and take progressive steps toward organizational growth and innovation.
Not understanding the totality of automation is the leading cause of individuals who still fear that AI and ML will steal jobs from hardworking people, when the opposite is true. Moving forward, workplace training programs and institutions of higher education need to invest more resources in preparing workers with the awareness and skills to both augment and be augmented by AI and automation. By overturning misconceptions, companies and individuals overcome fears, uncertainties, and doubts about today’s state of employment.
Misconception #1: Automation means people will lose jobs. This misconception has been unavoidable for decades, both before and after the introduction of computerization. Fear for lost jobs surrounded the printing press, the automobile, and the cell phone, yet jobs, advancements, and human interconnectivity have grown at exponential rates across the globe largely due to these innovations. AI and automation can be equally monumental for organizations that overcome this misconception. Businesses and their departmental teams would be completely overwhelmed if AI wasn’t already helping them to complete daily tasks, especially when it comes to IT. Rather than take jobs away, automation transforms repetitive, low-value tasks into computerized tasks to enable workers the time and energy to concentrate on complex problems that benefit from a personal touch. Tasks like moving data, testing software, or sending cold emails can go from taking days to seconds. Yes, jobs will be lost, but only because obsolete roles are transformed into new positions with more effective, innovative, and solutions-centric roles augmented by AI and automation. A study conducted by the World Economic Forum predicted that AI, machine learning, and automation in the workplace could add up to 58 million new jobs by 2025, clearly demonstrating how automation fuels employment growth.
Misconception #2: Automation will fully and flawlessly automate tasks. It’s another common myth that AI and automation will magically transform all repetitive and low-value tasks within an organization. AI is only as smart as the experts whose knowledge, solutions, and processes inform its computerized procedures. The reality: people will always be central to business operations at all levels. In most cases, automation and AI operations aim to reduce the constant commotion of data and alerts, detect problems quickly, and identify probable root causes to enable engineers to efficiently find and implement the best solution. Businesses excel with employees skilled in working alongside AI to collate vital data and problem solve. Employers require teams with the expertise to help AI perfect tasks over time, or even solve its own problems if common issues occur regularly. That said, unexpected disruptions are unavoidable. The right people need to be in place to identify issues internal or external to automation, then tackle disruptions and implement solutions so automation can carry on. In addition, ML is vital to enable problem-solving, but these processes do not have the ability or awareness to consider community interests and values. Employers today more than ever aim to position leaders who can respect societal principles and exalt shared values, otherwise, automation won’t thrive. Read More...
