Despite reports speculating that emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, AR/VR, and blockchain will eliminate millions of jobs, a new study from IT firm Experis reveals that these technologies could actually create more jobs.
The report titled ‘The Future is Now: AI, the Metaverse, & the World of Work’ shows that 58% of employers around the globe believe that AI and VR will create more jobs for their respective organisations.
Ger Doyle, Experis senior vice president said, “The integration of AI, machine learning, VR/AR, and other emerging technologies is rapidly transforming industries and driving the need for an adaptable workforce.”
“We are seeing companies embrace these new technologies with many seeking to hire or upskill existing talent to take advantage of potential productivity gains. Smart employers know that embracing digitisation and nurturing human talent will enhance their readiness to succeed in this era of rapid technological advancement,” Doyle added.
The job application process is about to change
In terms of job seeking, 76% of employers and job seekers believe that new technologies like blockchain and AI can help verify and process job applications for new roles. However, 46% would rather have a real person review their job applications considering AI is still a nascent technology.
Workers are seemingly optimistic in terms of VR, with 39% saying they would feel very comfortable with a virtual job interview. On the other hand, 32% would still prefer an in-person interview. When it comes to job training, 46% say they wouldn’t mind VR training, 32% prefer in-person training and 10% say they would refuse VR training altogether.
The report also delves into gaming, with 57% of employers saying they would consider an employee’s gaming skills during the hiring process, increasing to 65% that plan to consider an employee’s gaming skills in future.
Emerging technologies
While only 24% of respondents say they’re familiar with the metaverse, 63% have no experience using it in a professional context. However, 65% agree that the metaverse will improve the ways workers can interact with colleagues in other locations.
“In the coming years, Al and the metaverse will have a profound impact on the world of work. It will influence how we work, where we work, how we engage with colleagues, how we create unique customer value, and how we find the differentiated talent we need to sustain innovation,” the report says.
ManpowerGroup chief innovation officer Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic said, “Generative AI can be expected to mostly automate tasks and skills within jobs rather than entire jobs. We should relish the opportunity to outsource these mundane tasks – freeing up our time for more creative and intellectually sophisticated endeavours.”
Chamorro-Premuzic went on to add that, “This isn’t about us versus AI or humans versus machines. Instead, it’s about how we can leverage these tools to augment and upgrade our uniquely human skills and lead a more human-centric life.”
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
