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THE IMPACT ON JOB ROLES
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact on job roles across a range of industries, with its ability to automate tasks, streamline activity and revolutionise the way businesses operate. Results from our market research show that 60% of professional services businesses have made staff cuts since adopting AI and Machine Learning across their organisation. Top roles that have been made redundant are:
ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES
Receptionist, Customer Service Representative and front desk staff
RESEARCH ROLES
Research Assistant, Research Associate and Market Researcher
MANUAL DATA ROLES
Data Analyst, Data Entry Assistant and Data Operators
A report by PWC confirmed this, noting that, “there are nearly 300,000 people employed in customer service occupations, where nearly three quarters of jobs are estimated to have a high probability of displacement over the next 20 years” (PWC: The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on UK employment and the demand for skills)
44% of professionals surveyed also told us that there has been changes in their role due to AI and emerging technologies. All comments, highlighted improvements to daily tasks or ways of working. Remarked enhancements include; the ability to process large quantities of data quickly and more accurately, language translation to enable companies to enter new markets and the capability to better understand customer intention and behaviour, to provide personalised services.
One professional said,
“In my position I typically work 3 roles (let's call them roles A, B & C), alongside another 35-40 other staff (who mostly work just roles B & C). Completing role A would then allow the rest of the team to start working their jobs (B & C). As of approximately 6 months ago, the engineering team have developed/brought in AI which can now perform most of role A automatically, without any of my assistance. So now I only work on roles B & C.”
Another professional commented...
“The introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning has made me smarter and more efficient, so I can now provide a better services to users”.
HAS YOUR ORGANISATION HAD TO MAKE STAFF CUTS AS A RESULT OF AI ADOPTION?
HAVE THERE BEEN NEW ROLES CREATED IN YOUR ORGANISATION AS A RESULT OF AI?
HAS THERE BEEN CHANGES TO YOUR ROLE DUE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF AI OR MACHINE LEARNING?
HAVE THE CHANGES BROUGHT ON BY AI AFFECTED YOUR JOB SATISFACTION?
ARE YOU HAPPIER IN YOUR ROLE AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGES DRIVEN BY AI?
HOW HAS YOUR SALARY/RATE OF PAY CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGES?
It’s no surprise then, that 97% of all professionals surveyed, said these changes have impacted their job satisfaction, with 99% of those people saying they are now happier in their role. What’s even more positive for employees is the salary increase many have experienced as a result of these role changes. Our data shows that 52% of those surveyed have had a pay increase. This, combined with the significant increase in job satisfaction, highlights the potential for AI to considerably boost worker engagement and retention. According to a survey led by CNBC, “workers who say they rely on AI for their jobs have a Workforce Happiness Index of 78, seven points higher than among those who don’t use AI at all in their jobs” (CNBC: SurveyMonkey workforce survey May 2023).
What new jobs are being created?
Despite the concerns surrounding job displacement, AI has also created new job opportunities. PWC’s report show's that, “almost all occupations on the current government shortages list are projected to show net employment increases due to AI” with their analysis model estimating that “the highest net job gains over time will be in professional occupations, with nearly half of the net increase in jobs for health professionals. The other half of the gains are for scientists, researchers, engineers, technologists, educators, business people, media professionals and civil servants” (PWC: The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on UK employment and the demand for skills). This aligns with our data where 72% of respondents say that new roles have been created as a result of AI.
“AI is an exciting discussion topic in relation to future employment and one that people shouldn’t be wary of. Through modernisation and, automation of processes and controls we will see new roles created and the chance for professionals to enhance existing skillsets through training programs and qualifications. The fastest growing businesses in the UK market have all embraced AI, it has been fundamental to new product launches and business ventures.”
Jack Johnson, Business Director, Financial Services
THE TOP FIVE COMMON ROLES WHICH HAVE BEEN CREATED, OR ARE IN DEMAND ARE:
1. AI Architect
A professional who specialises in designing and implementing AI systems and tools.
2. AI Engineer
A professional who develops machine learning techniques to develop applications and systems to enhance business efficiency.
3. AI Data Trainer
A professional who typically trains a virtual assistant to understand customer queries and respond with the right data/answer.
4. Data Scientist
A professional who interprets and analyses complex digital data to inform decision making.
5. Machine Learning Operator/Specialist
A professional who develops AI software and algorithms which can ‘learn’ from or adapt data to make predictions.
The employment landscape is ever evolving as jobs are displaced or created due to, social, technological and economic demand. MIT’s ‘Work of the future’ study reminds us of this, stating that 60% of jobs in today’s society did not exist a generation ago (MIT: The work of the future). Technology will continue to disrupt and boost employment, rather than destruct it.
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