Technological advancements within the job sphere are nothing new. Since the early 2000s, the implementation of new technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace is a topic many companies have taken into serious consideration, which poses the question: ‘What can humans achieve that technology can’t?’
A Pew Research study that canvassed tech industry experts found that almost half (48%) believe in a future where new technologies and AI have displaced a significant number of workers. One estimate shows that by 2025, automation of previously human-manned jobs will disrupt 85 million jobs globally, impacting both large and medium-sized businesses across 15 industries.
“One-third of the skills employees bring to work each day aren’t good enough,” says Ira Wolfe, author of Recruiting in the Age of Googlization. Wolfe further explains:
“In the most disrupted jobs, that number jumps to 76%, over 3 out of 4 skills. The four skill sets in highest demand currently are AI/machine learning, cloud computing, product management and social media. While most people think these jobs only affect the IT sector and tech workers, they are now required across nearly 100 occupations and domains.”
COVID-19 has also impacted the rate of the arrival of more tech implementation. A study conducted by the World Economic Forum found that the fallout from COVID-19 has challenged businesses to find new solutions for an increasingly global workforce, pushing companies to technological implementation. Of the businesses surveyed, 43% indicated they are preparing to reduce their workforce to make way for new tech and AI integration. Over 80% of CEOs are accelerating their plans to digitize their company processes to deploy new technologies, and 50% of employees are expecting it. Another estimate cites that by 2030, 47% of all jobs will be susceptible to automation.
While there are many jobs that technology and AI could never replace, there are professions that are making their way to becoming fully automated. These include:
1. Content Marketing
Average salary: $50K
Writing social media content, emails, texts, etc. is estimated to become fully automated by 2030. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, which can create convincing content based on the users’ prompts, is doing such a good job that 43% of Millennials are worried it could take their own job as it’s introduced into the workplace. AI learns from existing online data, thus being able to practically write and communicate on any subject, saving companies time and money. However, even with AI doing most of the work, writers and editors will still need to edit to fill in ‘human’ touches AI cannot replicate.
2. Recruitment
Average salary: $49K
Experts predict that traditional recruitment will face displacement in the coming years. Instead of having a recruitment specialist, companies are turning to AI-focused software for their recruitment processes. Services like Beamery and HireVue have already begun the shift to using AI to match potential hires by identifying and prioritizing those that are likely to thrive within a company.
3. Manufacturing
Average salary: $31K
With the help of AI and other technologies, most manufacturing systems are becoming more efficient and self-correcting. This allows plants to become fully automated with machine learning models determining production, machine replacement, supply ordering and other tasks previously done by humans. Even though tech has replaced 1.7m manufacturing jobs, it’s predicted that AI will create 97 million new jobs for people by 2025.
4. Customer Service
Average salary: $37K
If you have messaged any customer service program via chat box, chances are you have been chatting with an AI rather than a real person. Automated chat boxes and phone services are increasing at an alarming rate. Some experts even predict that in ten years free-form queries will become fully automated by AI.
Companies like Amazon and Verizon are already starting the integration with their AI-driven customer service chatbots, however, this can be a huge disadvantage for business even if it is more efficient, as 55% of people prefer a human for customer service interactions.
5. Accounting
Average salary: $60K
Although AI can generate relevant information and free up valuable time for innovation and creativity, much of an accountant’s job is supported by technology and data. With automation among these technologies, it is expected to drive a significant transformation and employee displacement within the profession. As the occupation grows, there’s still room for people-manned roles, however, recent predictions see a 79% chance of automation.
Understandably, technological advancements in artificial intelligence are only going to become smarter and more efficient. And as time goes on, more and more people in these industries will become susceptible to displacement. Although many industries have already integrated AI and ML into their systems and processes, there are still some jobs that AI could never fully replace.
Much of what makes AI so helpful for jobs that heavily rely on data and technology is what makes it impractical for professions that require personality, creativity, compassion and empathy. Artificial intelligence at present is not very good at:
- Complex strategic planning
- Completing work that requires precise hand-eye coordination
- Dealing with unknown and unstructured spaces
- Using empathy
Many artistic, personal and hands-on professions like teachers, lawyers, social workers, medical professionals, therapists and many others are all jobs that experts say AI could not take over as they need a true human touch to understand nuance and be successful.
Nicola Davolio, CEO of Hupry, states:
“Some employment functions are essential for people, and it is unlikely that technology will be able to replace them. For example, social workers, therapists, and healthcare professionals frequently demand high degrees of empathy, emotional intelligence, and human connection. Nevertheless, positions requiring creativity, complicated decision-making, and strategic planning are less likely to be mechanized.”
On how to stay ahead of full automation, Wolfe’s advice is:
“The demand for workers with these human skills and/or the four skill sets [I’ve] described creates an almost infinite life of opportunity, should [workers] elevate their current skill sets. For now, learning how to collaborate with technology, to consider it an indispensable co-worker and friend, is the way to go.”
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