The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Roles: Preparing for Workplace Transformation
AI is changing how we work. Learn how to adapt, upskill, and thrive in the evolving job market. Discover which roles will grow and which may shrink.
I’ve been ill again this last week, I don’t actually think I’ve been well for a single day in February. So there wasn’t a post last week - my apologies. I’ve got a couple lined up for this week though, so you won’t miss out! Sometimes I wonder how I could just clone myself so I could get more stuff done. I guess, in a way, we’re on the journey to cloning ourselves as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace. It's changing how we work, the skills we need, and the jobs available. As AI becomes more advanced, some roles will grow while others may shrink.
I mean, it’s not really cloning in the Dolly-the-sheep sense, but if I can get a robot to do some of the repetitive tasks, why shouldn’t I?
How is AI changing job roles?
AI is taking over repetitive tasks. This frees up time for workers to focus on more complex, creative work. For example, in customer service, AI chatbots handle basic queries (depending on the quality of the source material). Human agents now deal with more complex issues that require empathy and problem-solving skills.
In marketing, AI analyses vast amounts of data to predict consumer behaviour. Marketers use these insights to create targeted campaigns. Their role has shifted from data analysis to strategy and creativity. I mean, this is the nirvana right? That we don’t spend time analysing the data, but spend time using the analysed data to think up new, better, creative ways to get more data to analyse.
Which jobs are at risk?
Some roles, obviously, face a higher risk of automation. It doesn’t take a genius to work out which they might be, here’s a few.
Data entry people (although we’ll need people to review AI entered data and check for bias and error)
Bookkeeping and payroll people - this is largely automated now anyway with things like Xero.
Administrative assistants - there are literally AI assistants on the market already.
Assembly line workers - already replaced with robots in vehicle manufacturing.
These jobs involve routine tasks that AI can perform quickly and accurately.
Which jobs will grow?
AI is creating new opportunities in various fields, all these roles require skills that complement AI technology.
AI specialists and data scientists - people to wrangle the AI. Like cattle herders, but for data.
Cybersecurity experts - this kind of thing will get harder and harder as AI (and those using it nefariously) get smarter and smarter.
Digital marketing specialists - gotta make use of the data!
Healthcare technologists - this is a weird one, healthcare is seeing a boon in AI support, but we’ll still need people skilled in both technology AND healthcare to get the most out of it.
How can you prepare for the AI-driven workplace?
Develop your soft skills
AI excels at processing data and performing routine tasks. But it can't replace human skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. It is inherently rational and humans, well, they’re not and AI will never be able to emulate human behaviour in a way that is valuable. Focus on developing these skills to stay relevant.
Embrace lifelong learning
The job market is evolving rapidly. Commit to continuous learning to keep your skills up-to-date. Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications in your field. Honestly, this is useful in all walks of life, AI overlords impending or not. Keep learning.
Understand AI basics
You don't need to become an AI expert. But understanding how AI works and its applications in your industry will help you adapt to changes. Key for us people pros is understanding what it can’t do, it cannot do human things, it cannot feel like a human feels and it can only work with the data it’s given, which almost certainly be biased in some way.
Be flexible and open to change
The ability to adapt is crucial. Be open to taking on new responsibilities and learning new tools as your role evolves. This is linked with the lifelong learning bit above, keep yourself relevant, learn new things and it’s much simpler to be flexible and open to cjhange.
Focus on tasks that AI can't do
Identify aspects of your job that require human skills like emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, or creativity. Develop expertise in these areas.
Case Study: AI in Human Resources
Let's look at how AI is transforming HR:
Recruitment: AI-powered tools screen CVs and identify top candidates. This saves time for HR professionals, who can focus on interviewing and assessing cultural fit. BUT be careful of bias. Yes, it’s a machine and it shouldn’t be bias, but if the data it’s trained on is biased, then it’s answers will also be bias.
Onboarding: Chatbots answer new employees' questions, freeing up HR staff to handle more complex issues.
Employee engagement: AI analyses employee feedback and predicts turnover risks. We can use these insights to develop retention strategies (or, y’now, address this issues and make our workplace a better place, but “retention strategies” sounds better, no?)
Learning and development: AI recommends personalised training based on an employee's skills and career goals.
In this scenario, our roles shift from administrative tasks to strategic planning and employee experience design.
What can companies do to prepare for AI integration?
Assess current job roles: Identify which tasks in each role could be automated. Plan how to redistribute responsibilities.
Invest in training: Provide training to help employees develop skills that complement AI technology.
Create a culture of innovation: Encourage employees to suggest ways to use AI to improve processes and productivity.
Address concerns: Be transparent about how AI will impact jobs. Provide support for employees whose roles may change significantly.
Rethink job descriptions: Update job descriptions to reflect new skill requirements and responsibilities.
Questions to consider:
How might AI impact your specific role in the next 5 years?
What skills do you need to develop to stay relevant in an AI-driven workplace?
How can your company use AI to improve productivity without sacrificing employee well-being?
AI is transforming the workplace. By understanding these changes and preparing for them, you can turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Remember, AI is a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. By focusing on uniquely human skills and adapting to new technologies, you can thrive in the evolving job market.