AI Overhaul: Are We Ready for the Workforce of Tomorrow
Prelude
For those of you following my articles, I committed to writing 100 articles in 50 weeks. I’m looking to understand all the hype around generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts us, our families, our communities, our country, and our world. This article came about because someone said to me this AI change is no different than the creative destruction wrought by the modernization of the farm. On digging I was stunned to discover the U.S. we will have more job changes in the next 7 years than was experienced over the last 100 years in the US farming industry!!!
I don’t have all the answers but let me know what you think? Is this true? False? A problem? An opportunity? A probletunity? Or something else?
AI Overhaul: Are We Ready for the Workforce of Tomorrow?
As we stand on the shore facing a tsunami of change power by generative artificial intelligence the waters are still receding, it's time for a collective pause and reflection. A report by McKinsey Global Institute illuminates a staggering reality: within the next seven years, approximately 12 million Americans will need retraining to navigate the workforce reshaped by AI. While this figure might seem manageable at first glance, representing a mere 8% of the current workforce, the underlying challenges it presents are far from trivial.
The Historical Context: Learning from the Past
The historical context deepens this perspective. The agricultural revolution, a transformative era that spanned over a century, witnessed a drastic shift from 12 million to 2.3 million individuals working in agriculture. This gradual decline allowed for a generational adjustment period, a luxury we do not have in the current AI-driven transformation. The rapid pace of change today means individuals who recently believed they had secured their career paths now face the daunting prospect of starting over, laden with the financial and emotional burden of additional education and training.
The Stakes: A Rapid Transformation
Imagine a recent college graduate, having invested significant time and resources into their education and early career, suddenly facing obsolescence in their field due to AI advancements. This scenario is not merely hypothetical but a looming reality for many. Such drastic shifts not only disrupt individual lives but also pose a profound question about the societal implications of technological progress.
The comparison with the agricultural evolution is telling. Past transitions allowed for gradual societal adaptation, where individuals had the time and space to pivot and find new opportunities. Today, the accelerated pace of change, driven by AI - doesn’t wait. The choices are either action or inaction. Since the change is so fast, the typical third choice, waiting is the same as inaction - the tsunami of change doesn’t wait.
The Human Cost: Beyond the Numbers
This call to action is not against the advancement of AI. On the contrary, the potential benefits of AI for economic growth and innovation are undeniable and should be embraced. However, the essence of this revolution must be human-centric, prioritizing our collective empathy, care, and support for one another. The challenge lies not in halting progress but in ensuring that this progress serves humanity as a whole, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.
The need for a strategic, inclusive approach to retraining and education is evident. It's imperative that this transition does not merely shift the burden onto individuals but is approached as a collective societal endeavor. As the McKinsey report and historical data from Our World in Data suggest, the scale of this challenge is immense, but not insurmountable with a commitment to action.
The Path Forward: Strategies for an Inclusive Transition
We must consider how to leverage AI to augment human capabilities, not replace them, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to find meaningful work in this new landscape. This involves not only retraining initiatives but also a broader societal commitment to supporting those displaced or disadvantaged by these shifts. Universal basic income, while a significant consideration, is not a panacea but part of a larger, more comprehensive strategy needed to address the multifaceted impacts of AI.
As we navigate this AI-driven era, let us not lose sight of what makes us fundamentally human: our capacity for empathy, our resilience, and our ability to adapt and support each other. The future of work in an AI world should not be a zero-sum game but a shared journey towards a more inclusive, empathetic, and human-centric society. The time to act is now, with a sense of urgency and a collective commitment to ensuring that the AI revolution, while inevitable, is navigated with humanity at its heart.
References:
Ellingrud, K., Sanghvi, S., Dandona, G.S., Madgavkar, A., Chui, M., White, O., & Hasebe, P. (2023). Generative AI and the future of work in America. McKinsey Global Institute. https://www.hrdive.com/news/generative-ai-exposure-risk-human-resources/698459/Max Roser (2023) - “Employment in Agriculture” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/employment-in-agriculture' [Online Resource]