Artificial intelligence (IA) raises many fantasies and fears, in particular because it allows greater autonomy in certain tasks, thus playing an essential role in changes in the world of work.

We are talking about a technology that will partly replace human activity, create and eliminate some jobs or at least reduce them.

However, the key to changes in work is not so much in the existence of AI or its advances, but rather in how it will be implemented in organizations and the expected productivity improvements.

When it comes to technology and work in general, there is no fatalism, but rather decisions and strategic directions taken by the leaders of organizations, whether public or private, in a particular context (economic, social, technological, demographic...).

The effects and uses of AI on work will be largely influenced by the combination of all these factors, whether in terms of practices, content, conditions or relationships between colleagues, customers or users.

So how exactly is artificial intelligence going to transform the world of work? Response elements.

How do businesses use artificial intelligence?

The use of AI in businesses varies between fields of activity. A few concrete examples.

Uses of AI in the health sector

Medical data is among the largest, most complex, and most sensitive in the world.

One of the major goals of artificial intelligence in healthcare is to use this information to create links between diagnoses, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes.

In addition, healthcare institutions are opting for artificial intelligence solutions in order to support other projects and operational sectors.

It is possible to take into account, among other things, staff satisfaction and improvement, patient satisfaction and the reduction of expenses.

Artificial Intelligence in the banking sector

Security, compliance, and speed of transactions are increasingly required by banks and financial institutions, which were among the first to incorporate AI technologies.

Tools like robots managed by artificial intelligence, digital payment advisors, and biometric fraud detection devices play a role in improving efficiency and customer service, while reducing risks and fraud.

AI in the field of production

When devices and machines are connected to exchange and receive information through a central system, they form a network called the Internet of Things.

Artificial intelligence doesn't just process this information, it uses it to predict opportunities and disruptions, as well as to automate tasks and workflows in the most effective way to deal with them.

In the area of smart manufacturing, this includes on-demand production procedures for 3D printers, as well as online inventories.

Use of artificial intelligence in the retail sector

Over the past few years, shopping habits have changed significantly, with a notable increase in online purchases.

This has fostered the emergence of a highly competitive and constantly evolving environment for retailers.

Online consumers are using multiple touchpoints and producing more massive amounts of complex, unorganized data sets than ever before.

In order to deepen their understanding and use, retail businesses are turning to artificial intelligence solutions that can process and analyze diverse data sets, allowing them to provide relevant information and interact in real time with their customers.

What place for AI in the world of work?

AI is not limited to the future, it is also already present in the world of employment.

Now that the metaverse is also involved, the AI revolution continues to advance rapidly, offering a new field of possibilities.

So, how will artificial intelligence transform the world of work in the coming years? And what does AI look like right now?

AI tools in the business world now and in the future

Artificial intelligence (IA) is the tool for designing machines with human abilities such as planning, deduction, communication, and learning.

These machines simplify our daily lives, reduce expenses and increase efficiency and profitability. There are various types of artificial intelligence today.

However, concerns are frequently expressed about the risk of negative disruptions in AI, especially in the labour market.

There are various categories of artificial intelligence, all of which have a significant impact on our current work and will continue to have a significant impact on our work in the future.

Machine learning in the world of work

Artificial intelligence (machine learning) can learn from sequences identified in data.

The innovation lies in the fact that, instead of being programmed, this technology has the ability to analyze the data provided to it in order to predict, define rules or offer recommendations for action.

This process is a bit more advanced thanks to deep learning, which further reduces human intervention and allows for the use of larger data sets.

Machine learning technology is responsible for some of the recent advances in speech and image recognition, as well as in natural language processing.

However, the performance of machine learning is influenced by the data used to feed it and you should know that if this data is altered, the results of the AI will also be altered.

Robotics, another present facet of AI now and in the future

Robots are used by businesses to automate physical tasks remotely, whether by using algorithms or sensors as needed.

In addition to being used as robotic arms on production lines, robots are used in many other situations today. For example, for surgical assistance or sewer inspection.

Robotics is a field that is constantly evolving, and that is why it will be an integral part of future uses in the business world.

Is AI the future in the world of employment?

Artificial intelligence is already integrated into daily life and the professional world. Artificial intelligence makes things easy, from digital personal assistants to smart devices, or to online shopping and industrial robots. We don't always know it, but pretty much everyone uses AI in different ways, whether in their private or professional lives. Although some experts are concerned about the generalization of AI, its future impacts and the need to create regulations to regulate it, it is undeniable that it will play a essential role in the professional field.

AI predictions in the future according to experts

According to a Forbes Advisor survey, AI could change the jobs of 400 million people around the world.

According to the latest Future of Employment Report from the World Economic Forum, we also know that 25% of jobs will be negatively affected by AI in the next 5 years, and that a lot of administrative positions will be eliminated.

Although the labor market is concerned about the future of AI, many job creations have already been planned.

And in 2022, we know that 39% of companies hired software engineers and 35% recruited data engineers for positions related to artificial intelligence. In the coming years, AI is also expected to generate around 97 million jobs worldwide.

Complex or overly sensitive tasks are not automated by AI. Today, as in the future, it will probably remain necessary to have human supervision of the process in order to intervene in the event of a problem.

In this way, instead of substituting individuals, artificial intelligence will collaborate with them, helping them improve their productivity and focus on the most creative and rewarding aspects of their work.

With AI comes a growing demand for profiles with technical skills, and emotional skills, that AI cannot provide.

This is why AI in the world of employment should be complementary to humans. Therefore, companies must prepare their employees to accept change and prepare for it.

Companies that provide coaching to executives and managers are and will continue to be preferred players to support these major developments.

The professional field is constantly changing. From ChatGPT to the metaverse, AI is making advances in various fields and is continuing its momentum.

Thanks to technological advances in virtual reality and augmented reality, it is possible to design an ultra-intelligent Internet.

In the future, shared virtual spaces will increasingly integrate into reality and change collaboration, communication, and professional training. This is how artificial intelligence will transform the world of employment.

Toward widespread adoption of AI in the workplace

A generalization of AI within a company requires major changes in the way staff work. Businesses need to demonstrate to employees that artificial intelligence is a positive transformative force.

It is possible to highlight that AI is developed to support, not replace, staff.

Moreover, as individuals will increasingly collaborate with AI, it is critical to ensure that they have the required technical skills.

Their skills will have to be improved and strengthened in order to be able to exploit all the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.

Again, coaching and business training are and will be the most appropriate responses.

What are the pros and cons of AI?

After implementing AI, businesses can see the benefits. Productivity can increase dramatically when employees and resources aren't absorbed by ordinary tasks.

Generative AI increases staff productivity by around 66%.

AI has the ability to perform routine tasks faster and more efficiently than humans.

It is a useful technology for problem solving, intelligent generation of ideas and solutions, and increasing creativity.

The effects on employment have many benefits, but there are also risks that should not be underestimated.

What are the disadvantages of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence can have ambivalent consequences on skills and working conditions.

The consequences of artificial intelligence on skills are complex and are largely influenced by organizational decisions made by structures.

Sophisticated automation or human-machine integration. When AI makes it easy to complete complex tasks, it can lead to employee desqualification.

As a coordination mechanism, artificial intelligence can also lead to greater isolation for employees. Working conditions can therefore deteriorate: loss of independence and motivation for example.

It therefore seems essential to have transversal skills in order to guarantee a good complementarity between machines and workers.

Will artificial intelligence destroy jobs?

According to research conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), generative artificial intelligence is more likely to increase than to destroy jobs by automating only certain tasks.

However, there will be exceptions as office workers will be more vulnerable to the consequences of AI. Opinions differ about the rise of AI and its influence on the job market.

The United Nations ILO is among those who do not see these technologies as a real threat.

According to the organization, in a study that analyzes the consequences of the latest wave of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, the majority of jobs and industries will only be partially affected by artificial intelligence.

How can businesses anticipate the impacts of artificial intelligence?

It is crucial to predict the consequences of AI on work and to help organizations anticipate their skills needs, in particular through coaching and training.

It would be possible to set up a future project aimed at detecting tasks that can be automated using AI. It is important to consider several aspects before deciding on the applications of AI for each business.

For example, the complexity of the task, the level of error acceptable to the AI, and the degree of interdependence of the tasks or jobs.

Afterwards, it is essential to help businesses define their future skills needs and assess the candidates who apply.

It is necessary to promote the emergence of talent and stimulate the development of computer skills in order to implement AI-based systems more calmly and effectively.

At the same time as this development of cutting-edge skills, it is essential to train employees extensively.

VISCONTI Partner and its experts in business coaching can support you in this process.

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