In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force that is fundamentally reshaping the way we work, the nature of industries, and the very fabric of our global economy. As we stand at the precipice of a new era, the integration of AI into various facets of our professional and personal lives is not merely a trend but a seismic shift that demands our attention and understanding.
AI, with its ability to emulate human intelligence and automate complex tasks, is rapidly becoming an indispensable ally in the pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. From advanced robotics and natural language processing to machine learning and predictive analytics, AI technologies are infiltrating diverse sectors, transcending traditional boundaries, and challenging established norms.
This revolution, however, is not without its implications, particularly in the realm of employment and industries. The rise of AI has sparked discussions around the future of work, the skills required to thrive in the AI-driven landscape, and the potential societal and economic shifts that accompany such technological advancements. In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted ways in which AI is reshaping jobs and industries, examining both the promises and challenges it presents to individuals, businesses, and society at large.
In the closed-door webinar on 27th Feb 2024, eminent corporate leaders had a productive discussion on this topic. The dialogue was around the intricate web of AI’s impact on professions, workforce dynamics, and the very nature of industries. From the automation of routine tasks to the creation of entirely new job categories, we unravelled the complexities of this transformative force and provided insights into how individuals and organisations can adapt, thrive, and shape the future in the age of artificial intelligence.
The webinar had two eminent industry experts who shared their views on AI and its impact on work. Munira Loliwala, AVP – Business Strategy, TeamLease Digital moderated the session. Interestingly, this webinar was an all-women panel, breaking the myth that only men are equipped to speak about technical subjects.
To share her views on the topic, one of the speakers, Priyanka Kulkarni, Head HR, Arcolab. said, “AI is still at a very nascent stage when it comes to applications in HR. I think most applications in HR we have seen only in the last couple of years, COVID mandated the adoption of technology. Until then people were very selective about choosing and implementing what they wanted to implement from the HR bucket and use technology to facilitate that. COVID left them with no choice. Talking purely from the hiring standpoint, it is a fact that technology is here to stay. People understand that and a lot of processes that were high-touch in terms of people, like keeping the candidate warm, reaching out to them and just checking, so much of it has gotten automated”.
The second expert on the panel was Ruma Batheja, Director – People, Technology and Transformation, Knowledgetics Research. Ruma had some beneficial insights. She said, “Recently, I was reading an article where Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha said that 20% of jobs will be automated by ChatGPT. That number talks largely about what companies and organisations are planning for the future. Let me start by talking about the basic concept of writing JDs. Writing JDs was initially extremely humane. Right now we have tools like Textio, ChatGPT, and many tools that are making the lives of HR easy, however, the upskilling portion has gone out. So, the roles are changing. The futuristic role will not be restricted to data scientists. There will be prompt engineers and AI researchers”.
In conclusion, the discussion offered invaluable insights into the significant influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment and sectors. From streamlining HR operations through automation to the creation of novel job functions, the dialogue emphasised the necessity of adaptability and ingenuity amidst technological advancements. Additionally, the diverse perspectives and expertise showcased by the all-female panel challenged stereotypes, illustrating the multifaceted nature of discussions surrounding technical topics. As we traverse the ever-shifting AI terrain, these conversations will persistently inspire on-going exploration and adaptation, empowering both individuals and businesses to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence.
View the entire session here: IEF Webinar #9 | How AI is Reshaping Jobs and Industries
