Many of us are considering how the progress in technology and the influence of AI are affecting our jobs. The pace of technological advancements is constantly increasing, especially at this moment.
With improvements to AI, the fear has grown that it could affect even more people from those working in customer service roles to people in white collar jobs to the most talented movie studios.
Given how the pandemic shifted us all to work from home, and thereafter into these new hybrid models of work, what is next with the power of AI? It certainly feels to me like we are on the cusp of a fundamental shift of society.
Reshaping the Nature of Work
"As a result, advanced economies face greater risks from AI—but also more opportunities to leverage its benefits—compared with emerging market and developing economies.
In advanced economies, about 60 percent of jobs may be impacted by AI. Roughly half the exposed jobs may benefit from AI integration, enhancing productivity. For the other half, AI applications may execute key tasks currently performed by humans, which could lower labor demand, leading to lower wages and reduced hiring. In the most extreme cases, some of these jobs may disappear." IMF Blog.
If you look at the capabilities AI has, it is uniquely positioned to disrupt jobs that require more cognitive skills or knowledge workers, which are predominantly found in advanced economies. So what does this mean?
TYPES OF JOBS AND TYPES OF IMPACT
Let's talk specifically about Canada.
Canada would fall into more advanced economies so that means about 60% of jobs here are exposed to artificial intelligence. It's important to point out that exposure doesn't necessarily mean automated.
The job that is exposed to AI and is much more likely to compliment the worker in that job, making them more productive
The job that is exposed and AI is much more likely to automate the tasks within that job and the occupation more broadly.
TYPES OF JOBS THAT AI WILL COMPLIMENT
Professionals
Managers
Judges
If you look at jobs pertaining to more professionals, such as nurses, teachers, judges, when the tasks within that job have broken down, you can see that AI coupled with the human in that role becomes almost like a superpower. They become much more productive at the task that they're completing. And then overall, when you pair that more work more broadly, they're not likely to automate that role.
Ie. We're seeing this in healthcare right now, where the administration piece has been taken over by by AI, but the bedside care is still in person.
Ie. Another example is a judge. AI is really good at textual analysis, but we are going to want a human judge making big decisions.
TYPES OF JOBS THAT AI MIGHT REPLACE
Clerical Support
Service & Sales Workers
Bookkeeping
Finance
Some jobs where AI is much more likely to do tasks autonomously, such as aspects of customer service, tend towards automation and perhaps replacement by artificial intelligence.
TRAINING
Even if AI compliments your job, it's possible that you could risk losing it if you don't know how to use the tools of AI. It's not AI that will take your job, it's more likely somebody using AI. The biggest takeaway should be the importance of learning how to work with these tools and to work alongside and with artificial intelligence.
GOOD NEWS
The reasons why these systems are going viral is because they are so easy to use. It requires us to lean in and start learning about these tools and for workplaces to invest in training their employees to be able to upskill, rescale and kind of shuffle around as AI starts to learn new tricks over time.
On the one hand, even though white collar jobs or knowledge based or cognitive jobs are more likely to be disrupted, those jobs are also much more likely to be complemented by AI so workers can essentially become a little bit more productive and more valuable.
In advanced economies, we might see some widening income inequality, which is something that's really important for policymakers to be observing and to be guiding and stepping in. For the education system, if we're not learning it or teaching it in schools, we're putting kids at a huge disadvantage for the workforce when they graduate.
How Will We Regulate AI For A Fair Future?
Regulating AI for a fair future will require a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society. Here are several key strategies to ensure equitable and responsible AI development and deployment:
1. Establishing Clear Guidelines: Regulatory bodies should create comprehensive frameworks that outline ethical standards and best practices for AI development, focusing on transparency, accountability, and fairness. This includes guidelines for data usage, algorithmic bias mitigation, and user consent.
2. Promoting Transparency: AI systems should be designed to be transparent, allowing users to understand how decisions are made. Regulations can mandate explainability in AI algorithms, enabling individuals to challenge and seek redress for decisions that affect them.
3. Ensuring Data Privacy: Stricter data protection laws must be upheld to secure user privacy and ensure that data collection practices are ethical and transparent. Individuals should have control over their personal data and understand how it is used in AI systems.
4. Encouraging Diversity and Inclusivity: Regulations should promote diversity in AI development teams to reduce biases and ensure that AI solutions are equitable for all communities. This includes supporting underrepresented groups in tech education and opportunities.
5. Implementing Continuous Monitoring: Regulatory frameworks should include mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of AI systems to assess impacts on jobs, privacy, and societal well-being. This allows for timely adjustments to regulations as technology evolves.
6. Fostering Multilateral Cooperation: International collaboration is crucial for establishing global standards and norms for AI. Countries should work together to share best practices, address challenges collectively, and prevent a regulatory race to the bottom.
7. Engaging Stakeholders: Involving a broad range of stakeholders, including ethicists, technologists, and affected communities, in the regulatory process ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that regulations reflect societal values and needs.
By taking these proactive steps, we can create a regulatory environment that promotes innovation while safeguarding public interests, ultimately leading to a fair and inclusive future shaped by AI.
By fostering collaboration between humans and AI, organizations can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and unlock new possibilities that elevate both productivity and creativity in the workplace. Ultimately, this partnership creates a future where technology and humanity work hand-in-hand to tackle complex challenges and achieve shared goals.
In conclusion, the impact of AI on the workforce is profound and multifaceted, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As we move forward, AI will undoubtedly transform job roles, streamline processes, and enhance productivity across various industries.
However, it is crucial to recognize the need for proactive measures in workforce training, continuous learning, and reskilling to ensure that workers are equipped to thrive in this evolving landscape. By embracing a collaborative human-AI partnership and fostering an adaptable and inclusive work environment, we can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential disruptions.
Ultimately, the successful integration of AI into the workforce will depend on our collective commitment to innovation, ethical considerations, and a focus on human-centered solutions that enhance the workforce for all. Thank you for your attention.
Written by Marla Guloien
CEO, House of GlamRock
Marla Guloien is an innovative producer, web designer, and AI enthusiast known for her creative approach to integrating technology into storytelling and digital experiences. With a background in multimedia production and a keen eye for design, Marla expertly crafts engaging websites and interactive platforms that captivate audiences. Her passion for artificial intelligence drives her to explore new ways to leverage AI in the creative process, enhancing both efficiency and creativity in her work. Whether collaborating on cutting-edge projects or sharing her insights in the tech community, Marla's dedication to merging art and technology positions her as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of digital media.
Work With Marla. Email her marla@marlaguloien.com or visit HouseofGlamRock.com
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