From Anxiety to Augmentation: Exploring the Impacts of AI on the Workforce

Description

This workshop explores why many people are anxious about the transformation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies, including automation, Big Data and others. It situates this anxiety with recent and ongoing workplace transformations, including the changing dynamics of the employer/employee relationship, the rise of the gig economy, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on re-evaluating our relationship with work. The presentation explores various research and reports on the impacts of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) on jobs, and discusses which kinds of work and skills are in decline and/or threatened. Lastly, it examines research that illuminates salient human skills for the future of work, such as creativity, collaboration, cross-cultural competence, decision making, and willingness to learn. It closes with an argument that rather than replace most workers, AI may allow humans to augment their capacities, driving effectiveness, productivity and greater fulfillment.

Benefits

Describe the factors contributing to anxiety surrounding the transformation of artificial intelligence and recent workplace changes.

Assess the implications of generative artificial intelligence on job markets, recognize which roles and skills are declining or at risk, and situate workplace change within evolving dynamics such as the changing employer/employee relationship and the expanding gig economy.

Identify key human skills necessary for future work environments, such as creativity, collaboration, and adaptability, and discuss how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace workers.