AI Impacts the Global Market
Two job candidates vying for the same position appear to be equal in every way. What now?
Savvy leaders will select the one who will best adapt to advancing technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and is most willing to leverage that technology to enhance their workload.
AI is revolutionizing the job landscape, and those who resist leaning into it will likely be left behind. One study on the impact of generative AI on highly skilled workers found that AI can improve a worker’s performance by as much as 40%, when used within the boundary of its capabilities.
Some experts estimate that generative AI could add the equivalent of $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. But its impact will cut both ways. Some think as many as 300 million full-time jobs could become automated by the latest wave of AI tools.
Nevertheless, many workers are optimistic about the use of AI. One global survey found that over half of employees believed AI would have a positive impact on their career. Already, workers are seeing AI used more frequently in their workplace. One survey showed that 40% of respondents expected their organization to invest more heavily in AI in the coming year.
Human resources professionals and administrative professionals — two key groups within corporate functions — are among those likely to be impacted by increased AI use.
HR Professionals Are Optimistic About AI
The job outlook for HR managers and specialists is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. HR professionals are generally optimistic about the impact of AI on their work: Fifty-four percent believe AI will create more demand for their skills.
AI Brings Opportunities for Employers and Employees
The growing use of AI is bringing change to the corporate landscape, but it also brings opportunity. The key to effectively using AI is to let it support, not replace, corporate professionals.
Bright, resourceful employees possess key skills that are essential to a successful office environment . AI-powered process automation will enable these workers to complete their tasks more quickly and accurately, giving them time to upskill and focus on higher-level business goals.
AI Automates Repetitive Tasks
For all of AI’s strengths, these tools struggle with nuanced decision-making and tasks that depend on interpersonal relationships. However, they excel at handling manual, repetitive work. Automating these processes can increase operational efficiency and reduce the potential for error, which helps the company’s bottom line. It also leaves professionals with more time to complete human-centered tasks.
For HR professionals, AI can support tasks like:
- Automating payroll processing and attendance tracking
- Helping to write job descriptions through AI content creation
- Answering questions and helping employees select their benefits during open enrollment seasons
For administrative professionals, AI can:
- Draft emails, meeting notes, itineraries, presentations and more
- Manage calendars and emails
- Assist in scheduling meetings and travel logistics
AI Can Lead to Faster, More Accurate Work
In addition to freeing up time by automating repetitive work, innovative AI solutions can help workers complete more complex tasks. A PwC survey found that 31% of respondents expected AI to increase their productivity and efficiency at work.
Studies from MIT and Harvard asked workers to use generative AI to help them complete complex tasks. Both studies showed that, when used within the boundaries of their capabilities, generative AI tools helped workers complete their tasks more quickly while also improving the quality of the finished product. The MIT study found that workers’ productivity improved 59% with the help of generative AI applications, while the Harvard study saw a 40% improvement in work quality.
When employees are freed from repetitive tasks and are able to complete complex work more quickly, they have more opportunity for training and upskilling. This may be one of the largest benefits of AI: protecting employees’ time for growth opportunities.
AI Creates Time for Upskilling
Twenty-seven percent of surveyed workers saw AI as an opportunity to learn new skills.
By focusing on learning and upskilling opportunities, workers can prepare themselves for the new roles that AI can create in the workforce.
Workers should be preparing for the jobs of the future. Economist David Autor noted that 60% of today’s workers are employed in jobs that didn’t exist in 1940.
As technology continues to advance, new jobs will replace those that have been automated.
Companies that don’t train their employees to use AI tools will become obsolete.
Staying ahead in a competitive market means training staff to use every resource available to help them adapt to changing professional roles.
Invest in Forward-Thinking Corporate Professionals
Increasing the use of AI in the workplace will require highly skilled talent who are ready and able to adjust to new technology. As a result, hiring wisely is more important than ever.
The good news is, staffing providers like Aston Carter help companies access a deep pool of candidates from around the country who have experience using the newest industry tools and a willingness to expand their skills. Instead of guessing which candidates will best adapt to advancing technology, companies can have experts at their side, helping them determine the best candidates for their openings.
Aston Carter specializes in placing corporate professionals and is the number one provider of office and clerical staffing in North America. We’ve been helping companies make the right hiring decisions for over 25 years.
US - EN
