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Use of AI in the workplace is growing globally, with huge consequences for jobs and employment. Your immediate thoughts might turn to the negative impacts such as job displacement and unemployment, however AI also brings oodles of positive opportunities for people in the workplace, and that’s what we will focus on in this post.
The human role in artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence isn’t all robots and algorithms. There’s a human side too. Employees need to understand how to implement it, train people to use it effectively, and engage others to embrace its possibilities. AI is more dependent on people than you might think. After all, it is a human invention!
Technology has the potential to reshape the way we do our jobs, for the better. AI is a valuable tool for any business, leaders and managers just have to work out where the real opportunities lie. The P3 team is optimistic about what we stand to gain from AI - in HR and beyond - and we hope reading this post leaves you in a similar mindset.
Key facts about AI adoption in the workplace
A recent study by United Nations Trade and Development predicts that up to 40% of worldwide jobs will be impacted by artificial intelligence, and that the AI market will grow to a size similar to that of Germany’s economy by 2033.
Globally, AI adoption is increasing rapidly in business sectors such as logistics, retail, professional services, and even Government departments are embracing new technologies to gain efficiencies.
AI skills development is also on the rise. Between 2015 and 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change, with AI emerging as a catalyst.
In the UK, AI literacy is the third most in-demand skill requested by hiring employers on LinkedIn.
One in three small businesses are using AI tools in their daily operations.
Will jobs be displaced by AI?
It is inevitable that some jobs will be displaced by artificial intelligence, but that does not have to result in people finding themselves unemployed. Human tasks easily replaced by AI tend to be time-consuming, repetitive and routine in nature. The outcomes of automated tasks may still need to be overseen, checked and verified by a person. Where human input is no longer required, businesses can look to create new job opportunities through upskilling, reskilling and retraining employees to take on different, more challenging work.
If you would like to dig deeper into AI’s impact on jobs, PwC has analysed half a billion job postings across 15 countries. Amongst the key findings are two clear benefits for employees:
1. 4.8x higher people productivity growth in sectors most exposed to AI, and
2. 25% potential average wage premium for jobs requiring AI skills.
Take a look at the report here
Are you concerned about the people impact of AI? Book a call with one of our HR Consultants and put your mind at rest.
The benefits of AI in the workplace
The employment possibilities of AI are huge. New roles are being created every day. For example, machine learning engineers - the people that support implementation, development and maintenance of new technology - are in high demand. There are people needed to check for errors, and share and educate colleagues to support swift adoption. All these roles enable businesses to stay at cutting edge of their industry.
In HR, we’re seeing the benefits of AI on a daily basis. Repetitive, weekly tasks such as creating staffing rotas, and monitoring holidays and sickness are all completed at the click of a button. The data gathered is helping leaders make more informed decisions around strategy and team planning.
Recruitment has been simplified through using AI to sift through CVs, scanning to identify the right skills, and automating interview schedules. Generative AI is helping recruiting managers to compile interview questions based on a role profile, business goals and values. Technology is also making the onboarding process more streamlined and efficient.
Automating HR administration can create huge business efficiencies. Learn more about our HR support services.
Across a multitude of industries, AI is supporting automation, collaboration, and helping to drive business growth through scaling-up operations and improving the customer experience. AI generated insights provide quality data to support day-to-day operations and help leaders identify strategic opportunities.
AI in our daily lives
AI is already being used and impacting everyday activities, whether we realise it or not:
Music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music use your playlists to get to know your tastes and suggest tracks you might like.
Fashion retailers use AI to analyse customer feedback and sales data to predict trends and manage stock control.
Logistics firms use AI-driven route planning and predictive analytics to optimise delivery routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve customer delivery times.
TV streaming services like Netflix use AI to analyse user behaviour and recommend movies and TV shows that we are likely to enjoy.
So, you see AI isn’t something to fear. It’s something we’re already embracing and interacting with in our daily lives. Why must our work lives be any different?
Common concerns about using AI in the workplace
In sectors like professional services, training is proving to be a critical concern. A shortage of skilled workers available to support with upskilling is limiting adoption of technology. A gender divide is also becoming evident. Research has found that fewer women plan on increasing their AI skills and knowledge this year compared to men. Of course, not every organisation has access to AI for reasons of size, budget or skills. There also remain questions around ethics and how to properly manage and control the use of AI.
For more on this download our free guide to Ethical AI in HR.
Let’s get teams excited about AI!
AI Champions are a great way to get people comfortable and optimistic about the possibilities of technology in the workplace. Appoint an employee in each department and channel their enthusiasm to generate ideas around how AI could be used. Set challenges and actions to get the whole team involved and turn AI adoption into a fun activity. Gaining buy-in from every employee will be key to success.
Once each team or department has a set of actions to pursue, then look at training, reskilling, appointing project managers. Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing in this area, so you don’t get left behind.
HR support for AI adoption
Businesses and employees must evolve together as the nature of work changes. Let’s ditch the fear and uncertainty and embrace the hope and excitement that AI brings. If you want to take positive action and don’t know where to start, get in touch with us today on 0161 941 2426. We’re here to help.
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