Elon Musk’s vision of a future where humans no longer need jobs, thanks to artificial intelligence, may be closer than we think. Recent data from ResumeBuilder suggests that 37% of business leaders say AI technology replaced workers in 2023, and 44% predict layoffs in 2024 as a result of AI efficiency. However, experts recognize that AI is not just responsible for displacing workers, but also for enabling professionals to move up the value chain.
Julia Toothacre at ResumeBuilder cautions that these statistics may not accurately reflect the entire business landscape, as many traditional organizations and small businesses have yet to fully embrace AI technology. According to Marc Cenedella, founder of Leet Resumes and Ladders, AI’s task-based work automation allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks, similar to the shift in workplace dynamics when typists were replaced by word processors.
AI isn’t just replacing human workers, it’s also enhancing their abilities. Alex Hood, chief product officer at Asana, believes that AI can reduce the time spent on what he calls “work about work,” allowing individuals to dedicate more time to the core functions of their jobs. The State of AI at Work 2023 report from Asana supports the idea of “human-centered AI,” which aims to improve human capabilities and collaboration, rather than replacing people.
However, not everyone is equipped to fully embrace AI technologies. As of 2022, 34% of the global population still did not have access to the internet, showing a significant digital divide that must be considered when discussing AI’s impact on the workforce. Individuals also bear a level of personal responsibility when it comes to adapting to AI-fueled work environments. Cenedella advises professionals to continually develop new skills in response to AI automation, while companies are expected to support employees in their skill development to keep pace with changing job requirements.
Despite the fears of AI-induced mass unemployment, history has shown that the workforce is highly adaptable and can transition to higher value work as technology advances. Hood, who is at the forefront of creating AI-driven solutions, encourages individual experimentation with AI technologies to understand the “art of the possible” in the workplace. As the workforce continues to evolve alongside AI technology, there is hope that workers will adapt and find new opportunities as AI capabilities grow.