There’s been a lot of heated discussion on the internet around AI (Artificial Intelligence) recently.

With the emergence of powerful new tools and applications, more and more debate is being had on the future use of AI and how it will affect our work and careers.

In a previous edition, I discussed the popular AI tool Chat GPT and gave some real-life examples of how my team at Inspire has started to implement AI tools to enhance and streamline our processes, both internally and externally.

However, as humans become more dependent and entwined with AI, the age-old question of “Will AI replace my job” becomes more frequently discussed.

This edition of Inside Track looks to answer that exact question, weighing both sides of the coin and highlighting how both I and my team at Inspire are looking at the situation.

Help! AI is stealing my job

A recent viral LinkedIn post sparked outrage amongst users as Chat GPT rattled off a long list of all the jobs AI is likely to replace in the coming years. Roles such as web developer, copywriter, receptionist, data analyst and even journalist were included in the list published by Generative AI.

Whilst this may seem extreme and unlikely at first, the more one explores the topic the more likely this possibility becomes. Here are some stats to give credence to the argument of AI replacing human jobs:

• A report from the World Economic Forum projects that 85 million jobs will be displaced by AI in the next five years
• The same report states that more than 80% of business executives are accelerating plans to digitize work processes and deploy new technologies
• Roles in areas such as data entry, accounting and administrative support are decreasing in demand as automation and digitization in the workplace increases
• Around 43% of businesses surveyed in the report indicate that they are set to reduce their workforce due to technology integration
• According to Forbes, the inevitable emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) will replace a whole genre of workers – bus, train, taxi and truck drivers.

If you’re skeptical about AI replacing jobs, a simple trip to the supermarket or local drive through might change your way of thinking. Everywhere we go, we can notice machines that have already replaced certain jobs.

Consider:

• Cashiers being replaced by self-checkouts at supermarkets
• Factory line workers being replaced by automated machines
• Bank tellers replaced by ATMs and online banking

You can view the post in question through LinkedIn to see the full list of jobs Chat GPT reckons could be up for elimination.

Doing your job better thanks to AI

On the other side of the argument is the idea that AI won’t replace jobs or people, but simply allow us to work more efficiently.

In fact, there is a real argument that new AI technologies will actually create jobs. This is backed up by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report which states, “The robot revolution will create 97 million new jobs”.

These jobs are expected to be based on skills and traits that AI is unable to replicate; traits such as analytical thinking, creativity, communication and flexibility. It’s expected that roles within data science, AI development, content creation and cloud computing will be the top emerging professions in the year 2025.

At its core, these stats and opinions point to a few key considerations;

• Lower-skilled jobs will be slowly but surely replaced by AI
• Meaningful and creative roles will be more in demand
• Upskilling employees in the use of new technologies will be critical in remaining competitive in the marketplace.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s easy to only focus on the savings that AI can bring to our businesses.

However, by investing in people and ensuring they are skilled and competent in working with the latest tools and technologies, you can increase productivity, retain staff and give yourself and your business the best possible chance of future success.

Have your say on the subject by casting your vote on LinkedIn: Will AI steal our jobs or make them easier?

HAVE YOUR SAY ON AI: VOTE ON OUR LINKEDIN POLL

David’s take

At Inspire I’ve fostered the mentality that AI is a tool to aid us in our work, not to replace us.

We’ve started implementing the use of AI tools to improve our processes and decision making, but not to replace critical thinking, creativity and innovation. These qualities are innately human and AI is a far way off perfecting them. These are also some of the qualities that we value most at Inspire.

In stark contrast to the notion that “AI is stealing our jobs”, AI has actually been a catalyst for one of my most recent hires.

Airyl Bangilan recently joined our team in the role of AI Champion. She’ll be working closely with every member of the Inspire team to understand their roles.

She’ll then use this knowledge to create new processes and introduce new tools and software to help team members work more productively and efficiently. She is here to ensure we move with the changing tide, and not against it. You can find out more about Airyl’s new role within Inspire via our most recent blog post.

Essentially, we want to work hand in hand with AI, ensuring we are the leaders and not the followers.

As AI is inevitably going to develop and advance in the coming years, I strongly recommend you also consider how your staff, processes and business can be improved through the use of AI, instead of worrying about it replacing your current employees.

CHAT TO DAVID ABOUT AI

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If you want any specific advice about anything digital, I'm here to help. Give me a call on 01738 700 006 or drop me a line and I’ll get right back to you.