Pause on Hiring: A New Era for IBM
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is hitting the brakes on hiring for back-office positions that could soon be taken over by the ever-looming presence of artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent interview, CEO Arvind Krishna shared his views on the automation wave that’s about to hit roles traditionally filled by humans, particularly in human resources and accounting.
What Jobs Are At Risk?
According to Krishna, a staggering 30% of back-office roles might be replaced by AI in the next five years. That’s around 7,800 jobs in a company that boasts a global workforce of 282,000!
- Human resources tasks that involve grunt work, such as employment verification.
- Accounting roles, specifically those revolving around repetitive data entry.
- Inter-departmental transfers that AI could handle faster than a coffee break.
With these advancements, IBM has not just taken a futuristic approach but has reportedly saved over $1 billion in business expenses thanks to prior automation efforts.
What’s Still Safe?
Fear not, HR warriors! Krishna believes roles that require nuanced human judgment, like measuring productivity and evaluating workforce dynamics, won’t be disappearing that fast. So, if you’re assessing morale, your job is safe—for now.
Public Sentiment: Wary or Wise?
The public is split on the AI front. A recent survey found that 62% of Americans expect AI to significantly impact jobs within the next two decades. Employees are understandably cautious about the AI invasion, although those with a grasp on technology feel they’re riding a wave rather than drowning in it.
AI as a Tool, Not a Tyrant
Blockchain developer Salman Arshad supports the idea that AI is more of a helpful assistant than a career assassin. Instead of fearing obsolescence, he suggests embracing AI as a means to enhance efficiency. “ChatGPT and AI tools are a blessing; they are not our enemies,” he asserts.
Similarly, another tech-savvy developer notes that human input combined with AI offers unprecedented versatility, suggesting a future where humans and machines collaborate rather than compete.
The Job Market: Adapt or Die
“We’ll see more and more humans being forced to pivot to new roles that may look nothing like anything they’ve ever done.” – Dominik Schiener, IOTA Foundation
While some think AI will eliminate jobs, others, like Dominik Schiener, predict the emergence of new types of employment. The key takeaway? Adaptability is the name of the game; pivoting to different roles will become a job-seeker’s new mantra.
Conclusion: The Future Is a Mix of Man and Machine
In sum, while IBM’s hiring pause signals changes in the corporate landscape, it also highlights an opportunity for growth and evolution within the workforce. Embracing AI as a tool while honing uniquely human skills will be paramount in securing jobs in the future.
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