Worried about how automation could affect your job prospects? You’re not alone…
Most of us interact with artificial intelligence on a daily basis – but how do we feel about technology when it comes to our careers?
Are any jobs particularly at risk from automation? And are there any upsides to our increasing dependency on our devices?
We surveyed more than 2,000 workers across the UK to find out more:
61% think tech could take their jobs within the next 10 years
Whether its robots replacing us in the workplace, or automation making certain roles obsolete, our survey suggests that UK workers are worried about the rise of technology in the workplace.
As a result, nearly two thirds think they could be replaced by tech within the next decade.
Admin & customer service staff are most at risk
When it came to the positions most likely to be affected, it seemed opinions were unanimous across the board.
The top five positions seen as most at risk from advances in automation were:
- Factory workers
- Receptionists
- Telemarketers
- Customer service
- Librarians
If recent trends are anything to go by, the results are probably not all that surprising.
There have been a few examples of these types of jobs being replaced already, including Boston Dynamics creation ‘Handle’, and Ocado.
Another example is the Chinese-based Changying Precision Technology Company, who produce mobile phones using highly-automated production lines – leading a factory previously run by 650 employees to downscale to just 60 people to get the job done.
The top five positions perceived as least at risk were:
- Doctors
- Vets
- Chefs
- Scientists
- Social workers
In comparison to the more easily automated careers, these jobs seem to require the most human interaction, as well as the ability to demonstrate empathy – an area our respondents felt robotics/AI are currently lacking.
Half of UK workers fear their job is going to be replaced
When asked about their own position, 50% of people think they might be replaced by robots, AI or automation within the next 10 years.
This was consistent across almost every industry, showing not everyone feels completely safe when it comes to the future of their career.
However, those at a higher level within a business fear being replaced the most – with more than a third of C-suite employees stating they feel ‘very concerned’ about their future due to the rise in technology
55% said tech has improved their working lives
Despite some concerns, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Instead of solely being fearful of technology, more than half of UK workers said tech has made their working lives easier.
The biggest areas of improvement, in order or importance, were:
- Processes quicker to complete
- Menial tasks easier to manage
- Fewer errors made
- More time for complex tasks
- Better thought out decisions
Majority of staff say tech will add to their skillset
55% of respondents said they were likely to develop their skills in new areas to keep up with advancements in technology.
And it seems as if some employers share the same sentiment.
In fact, although automation is undoubtedly on the rise, not all businesses see it as a way to replace the human element of their workforce completely.
Certain companies, such as New Jersey based Boxed, are actually using robotics to upskill their staff – with every one of their 100+ displaced warehouse workers repositioned throughout the company, or moving to new positions on the production line.
Toyota have a similar human-powered perspective when it comes to automation.
And with 1 in 10 of stating that they’re already using technology to add to their skills, it seems using tech to help us rather than hinder us could be the key to moving our careers forward.
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