Will AI replace human jobs? Not Entirely

Introduction

If you’ve ever seen those Sci-Fi movies where robots rule the world and thought, “Eh, that’ll never happen,” you may want to sit down. We’ve all heard it: “AI won’t replace you, a person using AI will”. In the world of iManage, Document Management, and Records Management, the human vs. robot debate has been hotter than a laptop running 50 Chrome tabs.

What Jobs Will Be Replaced by AI?

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? With companies like Litera and ThoughtRiver making strides in Contract Management and Compliance, certain jobs seem ready for an AI takeover.

Here are some jobs that might be walking the plank:

  • Data Entry Clerks
  • Customer Service Representatives
  • Truck Drivers
  • Factory Workers
  • Retail Sales Associates
  • Office Administrative Assistants
  • Legal Assistants
  • Financial Analysts
  • Medical Technicians
  • Insurance Adjusters

These roles are rich in repetitive tasks and somewhat deficient in creativity and human touch, making them potentially low-hanging fruit for AI technologies.

The Jobs That AI Can’t Replace

Before you start imagining a future of AI overlords, let’s take a breather. Some jobs have that certain qualities that just can’t be replicated by a machine.

The (presumably) safe zones include:

  • Engineers
  • Doctors
  • Lawyers
  • Teachers
  • Creative Professionals
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Business Leaders
  • Salespeople
  • Customer Relationship Managers
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists

What do these roles have in common? Emotional intelligence, complex decision-making, and creativity—a cocktail that’s still too intricate for current AI to grasp.

Will Robots Reduce Human Employment?

Ah, the million-dollar question! A recent study done by IBM suggests 1.4 billion workers will have to reskill for AI in the next three years. So, are robots snatching our jobs? Not entirely. They might change the landscape, yes, but completely take over? Probably not.

IBM 2023 Workforce skills graph

IBM 2023 Workforce Skills Graph (IBM)

What Executives Are Saying about AI

Forget about what you heard at the dinner table. Executives think AI is the wingman we never knew we needed. 87% of executives expect generative AI to augment roles rather than replace them. That said, if you’re not onboard, you’re missing the bus—those who embrace AI see a 36% higher rate of revenue growth.

What’s more, IBM’s report revealed that technical skills like STEM proficiency are less sought after now, thanks to AI tools like ChatGPT. Skills like time management and communication are becoming the new gold standard in hiring.

Summary

In the grand scheme of things, AI is shaping up to be more of a business partner than a business replacement. While it poses a challenge to certain sectors and demands reskilling on a large scale, it also opens the doors to efficiencies and job roles we can’t yet imagine.

So, next time you hear about AI and job displacement, remember that the landscape is ever evolving. AI might take some jobs but expect it to give back too, in the form of new roles, better governance, and enhanced productivity. And for those in Contract Management, Document Management, or any roles concerning Compliance—keep an eye out; AI is knocking at your door, but it might just be delivering a package rather than taking your seat.

Disclaimer: The future is unpredictable, and AI is a rapidly evolving field. Always be prepared to adapt and reskill as the situation changes.