Artificial intelligence and what it means for the workforce

Artificial intelligence – or AI – won’t destroy the job market in the long run and it certainly won’t do so in 2018. That is one of the predictions of PwC's study on the impact of AI. But organisations face a challenge: AI works best when it brings together data and teams from different disciplines. It also requires structures and skills for human-machine collaboration. But most organisations keep data in cartels and teams in silos. Few have started work on giving employees the basic AI skills that they’ll need. The average enterprise isn’t ready for what AI is about to demand of it.

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But organisations face a challenge: Artificial Intelligence works best when it brings together data and teams from different disciplines. It also requires structures and skills for human-machine collaboration. But most organisations keep data in cartels and teams in silos. Few have started work on giving employees the basic AI skills that they’ll need. The average enterprise isn’t ready for what AI is about to demand of it.

With their mind-set, a lot of workers are, though. 78 per cent would work with an AI manager if meant a more balanced workload. 65 per cent would if it meant less menial work and 64 per cent would embrace AI if it offered employees new work opportunities.

Executives think that AI will be crucial for their success: 72 per cent believe it will be the business advantage of the future. In fact AI is ready right now to automate increasingly complex processes, identify trends to create business value, and provide forward-looking intelligence. This AI is often “entering through the backdoor” as everyday applications incorporate it. The result is less work for humans and better strategic decisions, claim the consultants from PwC: employees working better than before. But since traditional ROI measures may not capture this value, organisations will want to consider new ones to better understand what AI can do for them.

Read more on www.pwc.com