The changing Landscape of Work: Jobs Lost to Automation and AI
Table of Contents
- The changing Landscape of Work: Jobs Lost to Automation and AI
- The Decline of Traditional Roles
- The Rise of New Opportunities
- Adapting to the Future of Work
- Key Job Market Shifts
- Evergreen Insights: The Ancient Context of Job Automation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Job Automation
- What is job automation?
- Which jobs are most at risk of automation?
- Will automation lead to mass unemployment?
- What skills will be most valuable in the future job market?
- How can I prepare for the future of work?
- What role should governments play in addressing job automation?
- How is AI impacting the workforce?
The relentless march of technology continues to reshape the employment landscape, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI) driving notable shifts in the types of jobs available.Once-common roles, such as service station attendants and data entry clerks, are dwindling as technology takes over, while new positions requiring different skill sets emerge.
Over the past 25 years, New Zealand has witnessed a dramatic decline in certain occupations, according to data compiled by Infometrics. The number of service station attendants has plummeted by 77%, representing a loss of 5,557 jobs. Similarly,telephone betting clerks have seen an 86% reduction,although this only affected 114 individuals. Footwear production machine operators have decreased by 82%, postal sorting officers by 76%, and mail clerks by 71%.
Did You Know? The global market for robotic process automation (RPA),a key driver of job automation,is projected to reach $11.1 billion by 2027.
The Decline of Traditional Roles
The decline of these roles reflects broader trends in automation and technological advancement. Many tasks previously performed by humans are now handled by machines or software,leading to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs for businesses.
Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan noted a significant reduction in personal assistant and details entry roles. since 2000,employment numbers across a grouping of personal assistant,secretary (general),legal secretary,general clerk,data entry operator,machine shorthand operator,and word processing operator have fallen from 98,700 to 41,861.
Professor Sholeh Maani, of the university of Auckland, explained that roles such as typists, once a staple in offices, have been absorbed into general administrative duties as individuals now handle their own typing. Similarly, switchboard operators are no longer needed due to automated systems.
The Rise of New Opportunities
While some jobs disappear, new roles emerge to take their place. Kiernan pointed out that many of the roles that have declined have evolved into positions such as contract administrator, program or project administrator, office manager, health practice manager, and practice managers. Employment in these areas has increased from 25,543 to 74,634 since 2000.
the rise of AI is expected to further accelerate workforce change. AI is already disrupting data entry roles, performing tasks previously handled only by humans. While this may lead to job losses in the short term, experts predict the market will realign, creating new businesses and jobs that don’t yet exist.
Pro Tip: To stay relevant in the changing job market, focus on developing skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving.
Adapting to the Future of Work
To thrive in the evolving job market,employees must add value wherever they can. This may involve upskilling, reskilling, or adapting to new technologies. The fact that unemployment remains relatively low despite significant technological changes suggests the market’s ability to adapt.
There is also a generational shift occurring, with younger workers prioritizing intrinsic motivations such as fulfillment and doing good over traditional measures of success. These individuals may be less interested in middle-level management jobs, which are likely to be taken over by technology.
However,the displacement of middle-level jobs by AI and automation coudl widen the gap between the “haves and have-nots.” It is indeed crucial to ensure that lower-level jobs, such as caring roles, are valued and that workers have access to upskilling and training opportunities to keep pace with technological advancements.
Communication skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, innovation, and creativity will be increasingly vital in the modern workplace. By investing in these skills, individuals can position themselves for success in the jobs of the future.
Key Job Market Shifts
| Occupation | Change Since 2000 |
|---|---|
| Service Station attendants | -77% |
| Telephone Betting Clerks | -86% |
| Footwear Production Machine Operators | -82% |
| Postal Sorting Officers | -76% |
| Mail Clerks | -71% |
| Contract/Project Administrators | +192% |
What skills do you think will be most valuable in the future job market? How can individuals and organizations prepare for the changes ahead?
Evergreen Insights: The Ancient Context of Job Automation
The automation of jobs is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, technological advancements have led to the displacement of workers in certain industries, while together creating new opportunities in others. The Industrial Revolution, for example, saw the rise of factories and mass production, which led to the decline of traditional artisan crafts but also created new jobs in manufacturing and engineering.
Similarly, the advent of computers and the internet in the late 20th century led to the automation of many clerical and administrative tasks, while also creating new jobs in software growth, IT support, and digital marketing. The current wave of automation, driven by AI and robotics, is expected to have an even more profound impact on the job market, potentially affecting a wider range of occupations.
According to a 2023 report by the McKinsey Global Institute, automation could displace 400 million to 800 million workers globally by 2030. However, the report also predicts that automation will create new jobs, potentially offsetting some of the job losses. The key to navigating this transition will be investing in education and training programs that equip workers with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Automation
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What is job automation?
Job automation refers to the use of technology, such as robots, software, and artificial intelligence (AI), to perform tasks that were previously done by humans. This can range from simple, repetitive tasks to more complex, cognitive tasks.
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Which jobs are most at risk of automation?
Jobs that involve repetitive tasks, data processing, and manual labor are generally considered to be at higher risk of automation. Examples include data entry clerks,assembly line workers,and truck drivers. However, even some white-collar jobs, such as accounting and legal research, are becoming increasingly automated.
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Will automation lead to mass unemployment?
While automation will undoubtedly lead to job displacement in certain industries, most experts do not believe it will result in mass unemployment. Rather, they predict that automation will create new jobs, albeit frequently enough requiring different skill sets. The key will be adapting to these changes through education and training.
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What skills will be most valuable in the future job market?
Skills that are arduous to automate, such as critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, and interpersonal communication, will be highly valued in the future job market. Technical skills, such as data analysis and software development, will also be in demand.
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How can I prepare for the future of work?
To prepare for the future of work, it is important to focus on developing skills that complement automation, such as critical thinking and creativity. It is also essential to stay up-to-date on the latest technological trends and to be willing to learn new skills throughout your career. Consider pursuing further education or training in areas that are likely to be in demand in the future.
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What role should governments play in addressing job automation?
Governments have a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by job automation. This includes investing in education and training programs,providing support for displaced workers,and ensuring that the benefits of automation are shared broadly across society.
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How is AI impacting the workforce?
AI is increasingly automating tasks previously done by humans, particularly in data-heavy and repetitive roles. This shift necessitates workforce adaptation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives to leverage AI’s capabilities effectively.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.Consult with a qualified professional for any specific advice related to your situation.
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