By Jess O’Dwyer, general manager for Europe at Pocketalk
The fast-paced, ever-evolving field technological change and digital transformation that is sweeping through modern workplaces keeps raising concerns about job losses. This is a natural and understandable fear, which is reminiscent of fears seen in the workplace at the onset of the industrial revolution.
However, a strong argument exists to suggest that AI is not a threat but a source of untapped opportunities waiting to be harnessed. Thus, for many roles, AI will help humans to do their jobs and manage a greater workload, rather than replace human workers.
Generally, jobs do undergo a natural evolution, and some may become obsolete, but attributing this solely to AI oversimplifies the reality of change. Instead, AI can be the driving force behind new employment opportunities, fostering growth for individuals and businesses alike. The key lies in reskilling and adapting, ensuring the workforce stays relevant amidst AI integration.
Benefits of AI in the workplace
At the recent World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Leo Varadkar, the Taioseach (Irish Prime Minister), challenged the prevailing fear of AI-induced job losses, predicting that AI is poised to be a significant job creator, flipping the narrative on its head.
The World Economic Forum predicts that while AI may replace around 85 million jobs by 2025, it will create approximately 97 million new roles, leading to net jobs growth.
Breaking down language barriers in business is one compelling way that AI can change the job landscape and promote diversity and inclusion in business. It’s also a way to fuel long term business growth by opening up more job opportunities and new markets to expand into.
Using AI to break down language barriers
A report by Cardiff University suggests that over time the trade cost to the UK resulting from language barriers has varied in magnitude, but has been consistently large. Embracing the transformative power of AI to enhance efficiency, drive innovation and break down language barriers in any industry is crucial. The ability to seamlessly integrate AI to create diverse business landscapes should be seen as an exciting gamechanger.
AI should be leveraged to remove language barriers to allow corporations to thrive. For instance, AI-powered translation tools are making it easier for employees from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate effectively within the organisation. These tools can translate written and spoken language in real-time, breaking down language barriers and facilitating collaboration among teams regardless of their native languages.
Making workplaces more inclusive
AI-driven language processing tools help in making communication more accessible to employees with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing. By transcribing spoken words into text or translating sign language into spoken language, AI ensures that all employees can participate fully in meetings, discussions, and other interaction.
Ai can also help inclusive recruitment. AI algorithms can help identify biases in job descriptions and suggest changes to make them more inclusive. By analysing language patterns and removing gendered or biassed terminology, AI helps attract a more diverse pool of candidates, thus promoting diversity from the outset of the hiring process.
Ultimately, rather than fearing AI or ignoring it, corporate business leaders should grab the opportunities AI presents to drive efficiencies and boost jobs growth to gain lasting competitive advantages.
