Understanding the Fear of AI and Its True Impact on Jobs
The fear of artificial intelligence (AI) stems from misunderstanding, according to Jason Averbook, senior partner and global HR transformation leader at Mercer. He asserts that the future of work is not about replacing humans with technology, but rather enhancing it.
“We’re living in a world where we question whether something is cheating or genuine,” Averbook explained, referring to the uncertainty brought about by new technologies. He emphasized that by 2025 and 2026, “all functions of the world will need to reset”.
Key Takeaways from Amedirh’s 60th International HR Congress
During the conference “From Telling Stories to Creating the Future: The Moment for HR to Design the Next Era,” organized by the Mexican Association of Human Resources Management (Amedirh), Averbook highlighted that understanding what humans do best and breaking down work is crucial for reconfiguring it.
He pointed out that business leaders often fail to recognize the implications of technological advancements. By freeing humans from manual tasks and focusing on intellectual and emotional work, productivity, simplicity, and improvement can be achieved.
Averbook shared data on the current state of businesses. Seventy-three percent of executives struggle to define which tasks should be performed by humans and which by AI, with six out of ten leaders feeling paralyzed by the uncertainty that AI brings.
Maximizing Technology’s Benefits in the Workplace
We need to change our approach to work, Averbook emphasized, dedicating more time to intellectual and emotional tasks rather than manual labor.
In the Amedirh conference, he stressed that if people only know how to perform manual tasks, it will eventually become a problem. Therefore, he reiterated the importance of allocating more time to “headwork” rather than “handwork.”
“AI agents will assist us, not replace us,” he warned. “Unless we change, AI won’t replace our jobs; someone with agency will.”
He further explained that those who fear AI and let technology advance are at a disadvantage, while those who control and decide on its application become “drivers.” Thus, he reflected, “we cannot allow someone else to drive”.
With enthusiasm, Averbook stated that agility is key in today’s ever-changing world. He acknowledged that technology is revolutionizing jobs, but “AI won’t replace our work; someone with decision-making power will.” It should be understood as a means to change how organizations “work, think, and act”.
Preparing for AI Skills in the Workforce
Averbook admitted that globally, companies rarely hire individuals without some form of AI skill, but these do not involve programming or code creation. Instead, it’s about understanding available tools and leveraging them effectively.
“Rather than adapting to software, I make the software adapt to me,” he explained. AI is related to imagination, which requires innovation, adaptability to change, and creativity. “It’s about what you want to achieve and how you make it a reality,” he commented.
The Mercer senior partner emphasized that strategy should focus on the right mindset and attitude, aligned with the set of skills and tools that involve “knowing how to give instructions” and questioning whether there is “secure, ethical, and responsible technology.”
This last point is crucial because “what most drives AI experimentation is culture, trust, and commitment.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How can we benefit from AI in the workplace? Averbook advises changing our approach to work, dedicating more time to intellectual and emotional tasks rather than manual labor.
- Q: Will AI replace human jobs? Averbook clarifies that AI won’t replace our jobs; someone with decision-making power will.
- Q: What AI skills are essential for the workforce? Averbook explains that AI skills involve understanding available tools and leveraging them effectively, focusing on innovation, adaptability, and creativity.
- Q: What drives the adoption of AI in the workplace? Averbook highlights that culture, trust, and commitment most drive AI experimentation.
