Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key part of our lives in recent years, revolutionising everything from how we create shopping lists to how programmers write code.
Although AI has many interesting capabilities, such as the ability to create deep fakes leaves some people stressed that AI will negatively impact the tech sector. Specifically, whether super-smart AI programs like ChatGPT will replace tech workers altogether.
According to Randstad’s Employer Brand Research, 18% of IT and tech employees (globally) fear losing their job due to developments in AI, with that figure increasing to 31% in Latin America (LATAM). On the flip side, an impressive 97% of business owners believe that ChatGPT will benefit their companies!
So, what is the truth? Let’s delve into the future of AI in the IT sector, considering both the incredible opportunities it presents and the valid concerns it raises. The potential for AI to enhance efficiency and productivity in various industries is undeniable, but we must also address the impact it may have on your workers.
the risk AI poses to the tech and IT industry
AI continues to grow at warp speed. Pretty soon, it will be an integral part of our professional and personal lives, not just a handy tool used to speed up processes. This means employers and employees must be prepared for the changes AI will bring.
We have identified the main threats to the industry. We explore how it might impact employees, and discuss what employers can do to mitigate these risks and strengthen their employer brand.
risk 1: underestimating the impact of AI
Underestimating AI’s risk will be many employers’ main mistake.
For example, some employers may decide not to invest in AI, viewing it as a fad or a blip. However, in the meantime, their competitors will be honing their AI skills. They will leverage AI to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Before they know it, business owners might find themselves falling behind!
To mitigate this risk, be proactive in adopting AI-powered solutions, offer training to employees, and seek out opportunities to incorporate AI into your current work processes. By being an early adopter and accepting the AI revolution, employers can navigate the challenges and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.
risk 2: growing fear of job loss
According to the Randstad’s Employer Brand Research, 18% of global IT and tech professionals fear losing their job to AI. In addition, 8% of global employees intend to switch their jobs in the next year. Fear of job loss is a direct predictor of job-switching behaviour, and Randstad’s survey found that 43% of those who fear job loss said they intended to switch in the first half of 2023!
Job security was found to be the third most important driver when employees are looking for a new employer. However, Goldman Sachs states that AI could cause ‘significant disruption’ to the labour market, which directly opposes your employees’ need for security. This will no doubt leave them feeling stressed, and may even cause them to look elsewhere. As a result, you should pay close attention to employee concerns about job security and the impact of AI on the company.
To increase employees’ feelings of job security, offer regular employee training sessions, promote internally, and avoid mass layoffs wherever possible. Be sure to discuss how the company is doing with employees and post regular company updates to your workplace intranet page. This will increase your employee’s investment in your business and help them feel more secure.
risk 3: challenges in workplace adaptations
Adapting workplace processes and technologies to incorporate AI can be costly, time-consuming, and it may reduce workplace productivity for a time. As a result, businesses may shy away from changing their existing systems and processes. However, avoiding AI integration altogether would mean missing out on the vast opportunities it offers for growth and innovation.
But here’s the thing: the benefits of AI can far outweigh the short-term challenges. A poll of nearly 1,000 jobseekers on randstad.co.uk revealed that 40% are already using AI to their advantage by utilising it to assist with work-related tasks, and 23% are also considering doing so:
AI has the potential to streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance decision-making processes. For example, Forbes estimates that 40% of the work of salespeople could be automated using AI. While this might sound scary, this would not make sales people obsolete. Instead, it would leave sales professionals to focus on value-adding tasks and make their businesses more money! Over time, the productivity gains can be substantial, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
Moreover, utilising AI opens doors to new possibilities. It will expand market reach, give businesses a competitive edge, and make employees more productive during the workday. As more businesses integrate AI, those that shy away from change risk falling behind in their respective industries.
job evolution in the tech sector
Now that we’ve explored the risk AI may cause to the IT and tech industry, let’s dive into how AI programs are reshaping existing tech roles and how we recruit for them. This section explores some critical ways in which AI will affect talent attraction, along with strategies for employers to prepare for this workplace shift.
reshaping and retraining existing tech roles
To attract top tech talent, employers must prioritise upskilling and reskilling programmes. Providing opportunities for employees to learn and gain expertise in AI-related skills will not only enhance their value within the company but also make the organisation more appealing to potential candidates seeking opportunities for growth and professional development.
Moreover, training and career progression is the fifth most important career driver when selecting an ideal employer. Therefore, training your employees not only makes business sense, but will improve your employer brand!
enhances the candidate experience
AI can revolutionise the candidate experience by automating routine tasks, providing real-time feedback, and offering tailored job recommendations. The streamlined process and personalised experience during the application process will set your business apart as an employer of choice. Employers who leverage AI to enhance this journey will stand out in a competitive talent market.
fosters a culture of innovation
Tech professionals will be drawn to companies that foster an innovative culture and embrace AI as a tool for advancement. Instead of positioning AI as a threat to job security, employers should create an environment that encourages experimentation, open communication, and a growth mindset when concerned with AI.
Demonstrating a commitment to AI-driven solutions will appeal to candidates seeking forward-thinking and dynamic workplaces, allowing you to recruit top talent into your business.
removes bias from the recruitment process
Bias-free recruitment practices are essential to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. Unfortunately, bias and unconscious bias are inherently human traits that can cause some candidates to receive an unfair advantage over others during recruitment.
Luckily, AI is not afflicted by this very human condition. By using AI tools such as automatic scoring and benchmarking, employers can remove bias from the recruitment process to ensure a fair and diverse workforce. However, a study by Cambridge University found that AI can reinforce human stereotypes if they are built into the recruitment process. These technologies will select candidates based on ideal applicant traits which could be considered biased.
Generally, the use of AI-driven talent attraction processes will reinforce an organisation’s commitment to fair and equitable hiring practices, setting you apart as an employer of choice and strengthening the employer brand. However, the use of AI in the recruitment process highlights the need to screen recruitment questions and tests for unconscious, benevolent, or other types of bias.
the bottom line on tech in the AI age
The rapid development of AI has caused a revolutionary transformation in both the tech industry and our personal lives. In fact, AI is the driving force propelling us into a future where smart machines and human intelligence converge to create unprecedented possibilities.
However, some employees are worried about what AI might mean for their job role. They are worried about having their job replaced by machines or, worse, their job becoming altogether unnecessary in this changing landscape.
But, this needn’t be the case. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, employees can leverage it as a powerful tool that complements their skills and expertise. In the AI age, the focus shifts from manual, repetitive tasks to more strategic, creative, and complex responsibilities. AI’s capabilities can amplify human potential, enabling employees to work smarter and more efficiently.
For employees, the key lies in adapting and upskilling to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Encouraging lifelong learning and acquiring AI-related skills will not only safeguard job security but also open up new and exciting opportunities and strengthen the employer brand. Rather than being replaced, employees can become valuable contributors to AI-driven projects, harnessing AI’s power to solve complex problems, make data-driven decisions, and drive innovation.
Learn about how employees perceive employer brands depending on demographic and location, as well as learn how to leverage the employer-employee relationship for optimal results.
- Click below to download the 2023 employer brand report.