Brockville, October 23 - For decades, the fear of androids or machines taking over the world was instilled into the public zeitgeist by media such as The Terminator, or The Matrix. The fear that artificial intelligence would become so powerful that it render humanity obsolete. However, the perceptions surrounding this previously assumed sci-fi concept have changed with the rapid rise and spread of Artificial Intelligence. In a way, society is closer to this reality than ever before. This has sparked a pressing question among HR professionals, tech experts, and the general public alike; Will AI take over our jobs?

Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transformed the world in recent years. For most students, encountering the term �ChatGPT� has become a daily occurrence. They witness AI�s capabilities firsthand, whether through its practical applications like answer generation or concerns about academic integrity. However, the influence of AI extends far beyond the classroom, particularly in fields like Human Resources, where both its benefits and challenges are becoming increasingly significant. Some people may be excited about the change and efficiency AI brings, while others may be apprehensive about the future of their jobs.

According to Forbes, �In 2024, Generative AI will shake up how we think about what work we do and what we delegate to our new �work buddy.� This will be the year of specialized AI powered assistants working side by side with humans,� (Meister). From an efficiency standpoint, tools that streamline processes and boost productivity are invaluable to businesses. When AI handles repetitive tasks that often consume employees� time, it frees them up to focus on more strategic projects that drive the organization forward. 

Companies are also making AI more accessible. A prime example is Indeed.com. Even in recruitment, Indeed uses �AI-powered smart sourcing to make hiring faster,� (Indeed) showcasing the many applications AI has in this essential industry.

So, Is AI Taking Over Jobs?

There are worries about AI taking over jobs, especially those that involve repetitive tasks. AI can create first drafts of different materials for organizations, presentations, documents, etc. The possibilities seem endless. (How AI Is Already Reshaping White-Collar Work)

According to a study done by Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research shows that around two-thirds of U.S. occupations are susceptible to some level of AI-driven automation. Among those affected, a significant portion of their workload�typically between 25% and 50%�can be partially automated (Hatzius et al.). 

Visual: the share of industry jobs that can be fully automated by artificial intelligence according to Goldman Sachs

The World Economic Forum believes that 85 million jobs globally will be displaced (Russo). This is worrying, as it could lead to significant layoffs across various industries. AI can perform tasks at a fraction of the cost of human salaries, which benefits organizations but poses challenges for workers.

However, this journalist believes there is hope. The World Economic Forum also predicts the creation of 97 million new jobs in sectors like the care economy, AI, and content creation. Human skills such as management, decision-making, communication, and reasoning will remain crucial. There will also be increased demand for roles in the green economy, data and AI, engineering, cloud computing, and product development. There will always be a need for employees in care services, blue-collar jobs, labour, transportation, etc. As for white-collar jobs, AI invites workers to become experts in their field, to have a skill only they can provide, and to have the knowledge and perspective they have. Essentially, AI can lead to the growth of knowledge workers.

Human resource professionals must focus on retaining and developing these knowledge workers while reassessing the organization�s evolving job needs. In the past, these roles have remained relatively consistent, but with the rise of AI, many positions as we know them today will inevitably change.

The Bright Side

AI is transforming the way we have seen work in the past. These new technologies will be taking duties previously performed by individuals and efficiently accomplishing them cost-effectively. 

This is undeniably a positive for organizations, but a positive for everyday workers as well. AI will make repetitive tasks easier. Society will evolve with the help of AI. Jobs will be created because of AI. It will be untraditional to what the current workforce is accustomed to, requiring different skills and knowledge, specifically in technology. Company employees will have to evolve alongside this growing technology. 

However, human beings are complex, and each human interaction is uniquely nuanced. Humans are unpredictable and can only be directed by other humans. High levels of discernment are needed in business and HR.

Hiring Implications for HR

New job opportunities will emerge, including roles specifically focused on AI. HR professionals will need to carefully consider many factors when making hiring decisions. When hiring tech experts in all positions, HR professionals must go beyond just the hiring process.

HR must first understand the company's goals and identify which AI programs align with its overall strategy. With this clarity, they can then develop a more effective hiring process. For instance, this understanding will help HR target the right talent pools, whether by recruiting from universities for emerging talent or focusing on tech hubs for experienced professionals. Additionally, HR must ensure that their recruitment efforts and interview processes are tailored to meet the company�s specific needs when hiring for technology and AI-related roles (16 strategies for finding and recruiting the best Tech Talent). 

Additionally, HR must ensure that employees are acting ethically when AI is being used within the company, and are � mandated to practice HR ethically to ensure a psychologically safe and harmonious work environment,� (Ingar). 

Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing the traditional landscape of work, and we can embrace this transformation as employees and HR professionals. While AI brings undeniable benefits to organizations and individual workers, it also presents challenges that must be navigated carefully. By focusing on upskilling and reskilling, fostering collaboration between humans and AI, and maintaining an ethical approach to its implementation, we can ensure a future where AI complements human talent rather than replaces it. Ultimately, the key lies in adaptability and foresight, allowing us to thrive in this new era of work.

Works Cited:
�Council Post: 16 Strategies for Finding and Recruiting the Best Tech Talent.� Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Aug. 2024, www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2021/11/15/16-strategies-for-finding-and-recruiting-the-best-tech-talent/.

Hatzius, Jan, et al. �The Potentially Large Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Economic Growth (Briggs/Kodnani).� Goldman Sachs, www.gspublishing.com/content/research/en/reports/2023/03/27/d64e052b-0f6e-45d7-967b-d7be35fabd16.html. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

�How AI Is Already Reshaping White-Collar Work .� YouTube, Wall Street Journal, youtu.be/DVpTpx9Avf0?si=KzYhXf0hjcxpHWeq. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Indeed Launches AI-Powered Smart Sourcing to Make Hiring Faster, by Matching and Connecting People with Relevant Jobs - Indeed Press Room, www.indeed.com/press/releases/indeed-launches-ai-powered-smart-sourcing-to-make-hiring-faster-by-matching-and-connecting-people-with-relevant-jobs. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Ingar, Altaf. �Eager to Hire a Chief Ai Officer? Avoid These 5 Mistakes.� HRPA, 18 Apr. 2024, www.hrpa.ca/hr-insights/eager-to-hire-a-chief-ai-officer-avoid-these-5-mistakes/.

Meister, Jeanne. �The Top Ten HR Trends That Matter Most in 2024.� Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 2 July 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2024/01/04/the-top-ten-hr-trends-that-matter-most-in-2024/.

Russo, Amanda. �Recession and Automation Changes Our Future of Work, but There Are Jobs Coming, Report Says.� World Economic Forum, www.weforum.org/press/2020/10/recession-and-automation-changes-our-future-of-work-but-there-are-jobs-coming-report-says-52c5162fce/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.