Greg Engelmann
Associate Editor
We live in a time where robots not only manufacture materials we use every day, but operate them as well. Even fields that were thought to be immune, such as law or software engineering, are beginning to see the implementation of AI for some of the tasks involved.
To many, this is seen as nothing less than a crisis. A study conducted by Udemy in 2017 showed that the number one stress trigger for 43 percent of workers is being replaced by artificial intelligence.
For those in that 43 percent, you may be relieved to know that your stress is poorly placed, as the threat of job loss due to automation for nearly all of the workforce is greatly exaggerated.
One may be lead to believe that automation will threaten one’s career by the surge of intimidating headlines regarding the topic. However, it appears that our jobs are significantly more stable than one might expect.
The McKinsey Global Institute conducted a study predicting the effects of automation until 2030, and the data shows a much less dramatic impact on employment than most would expect.
The study finds that about 50% of activities conducted in the workplace are technically automatable.
At first this may sound terrifying. However, this is followed up with the claim that less than five percent of jobs can be fully automated.
So what does this mean for the average employee? Contrary to the hysteria revolving around automation, having some of our more tedious activities automated would lead to more enjoyable, fulfilling careers.
Alongside this, the surge in demand for AI technology both for commercial and personal reasons has created its fair share of jobs. The World Economic Forum estimated that 75 million jobs will be produced through automation by 2022.
Tech isn’t the only field that’s expected to thrive. Computers have their own limitations and downsides. While a machine can excel at rapid calculations and repetitive tasks, they make for terrible nurturers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions that require more empathy such as nurses, personal care aides and home health aides have some of the highest levels of projected job growth.
With that in mind, who is likely to feel the effects of automation the most? McKinsey states that predictable labor, such as fast food work and machine operation, are likely to see the most impact of automation over time.
In the end, it would be dishonest for me to say that every job out there is safe from automation. However, the risk of losing everything is substantially lower than most believe, and automation will ultimately result in a happier, more productive workforce.
