Preparing workers for arrival of AI

According to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020, AI is expected to replace 85 Million jobs worldwide by 2025. However, the report also states that it will also create 97 Million new jobs in that same timeframe.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics forecasts that several occupations will witness a growth in jobs through AI, including accountants, forensic scientists, geological technicians, technical writers, MRI operators, dietitians, financial specialists, web developers, loan officers, medical secretaries, and customer service representatives.

Since AI will impact several industries, the type of skills required may vary according to each industry. However, when thinking about skills required to manage AI, soft skills are the most underscored. Usually, the focus is on learning technical and programming skills such as Python and more. Technical requirements are undoubtedly needed for AI-connected roles; however, it is noteworthy that depending on their roles, employees will be involved to varying degrees.

When it comes to soft skills, employees can benefit from them regardless of the extent of their involvement with AI technology. According to the CEO of Skymind, an AI start-up, these skills include basic skills such as solid verbal and written communication, listening, emotional intelligence, asking questions and structuring arguments. These are indispensable skills as they cannot be performed by AI technology.

Investing in AI to automate business operations is a crucial step. However, without the right training for employees, a successful integration cannot be guaranteed. A recent study by Accenture showed that 74% of companies expect to automate their work tasks significantly over the next three years, but only 3% plan to increase their spending on training.

Since the integration of AI and its development is taking place gradually, it is important that employees are part of this and are equipped to understand and operate with AI. By assessing the current skillset of employees, the contribution they make to their team and their willingness to learn with AI tools, team leaders can use this information to create personalised training opportunities.

Automation can be a subject of concern for employees as it’s usually attached to fears of being replaced. However, it’s important to communicate with employees about the possible benefits of automation, which include saving time from performing tedious repetitive tasks that can impact productivity. This frees up employees’ time to focus on complex and more rewarding tasks.

According to McKinsey, at least one-third of the activities that make up a specific job could be automated. Additionally, 40% of workers surveyed reporting spending at least a quarter of their week on manual, repetitive tasks. With AI collecting, storing, and analysing massive data sets in seconds, employees can utilise their time more efficiently.

As much as we are witnessing fast-paced changes in our work, disruptive effects of AI and other technologies will happen gradually. Although AI researchers are hoping they can build systems that can learn from smaller amounts of data, human labour is still essential in the foreseeable future.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Bureau of Labour Statistics forecasts that several occupations will witness a growth in jobs through AI.
• Since AI will impact several industries, the type of skills required may vary according to each industry.
• When thinking about skills required to manage AI, soft skills are the most underscored.
• Usually, the focus is on learning technical and programming skills such as Python and more.
• When it comes to soft skills, employees can benefit from them regardless of the extent of their involvement with AI technology.
• Investing in AI to automate business operations is a crucial step.
• Without the right training for employees, a successful integration cannot be guaranteed.
• 74% of companies expect to automate their work tasks over next three years, but only 3% plan to increase their spending on training.
• Since the integration of AI and its development is taking place, it is important that employees are part of this.

By assessing skillsets of employees, contributions they make and willingness to learn AI tools, team leaders can create personalised training.