Generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology like ChatGPT is already beginning to replace humans in the workforce, saving employers money and leaving workers searching for jobs.
Key Details
- A February survey from career site Resume Builder found that around half of the surveyed companies use ChatGPT and that those companies have replaced employees.
- The survey of 1,000 U.S. businesses found that 48% of those companies have replaced employees with OpenAI’s ChatGPT since the technology was released in November.
- Of the businesses surveyed, 33% said that ChatGPT will “definitely” result in some workers being laid off next year. Another 26% said it “probably” would lead to staff reductions, CMS Wire reports.
- In another five years, 63% of businesses agree that workers will “definitely” or “probably” be laid off.
- Nearly all of the businesses surveyed reported that they had saved money by using ChatGPT. Around 48% saved over $50,000, 11% saved over $100,000, and 25% reported saving between $50,001 and $75,000.
Why it’s news
The money-saving aspect of ChatGPT is a significant incentive for businesses to continue using the technology. Additionally, labor shortages could further encourage businesses to look at alternative employment options—especially if that option doesn’t require a salary.
Generative AI has a multitude of applications in the workplace. Many use it for writing code, creating written content, customer support options, summarizing meetings or documents, and many use it to create job descriptions or otherwise help in the hiring process, CMS Wire reports.
While AI tools can certainly perform some of the mundane tasks human workers currently perform, around 77% of businesses use AI to aid in hiring.
Backing up a bit
AI will, in some way, be part of the future American workforce, but forward-thinking employers and employees can prepare themselves for a new dynamic now. Boston Consulting Group director Julia Dhar explains the 10-20-70 strategy to help companies fully embrace AI technology.
Another way to aid the transition and make employees more comfortable with AI is to automate time-consuming tasks that employees may find burdensome. However, employers must consider what other work to assign staff after the AI removes repetitive tasks.
Another obstacle to fully embracing AI is that many workers are not fully literate in operating the technology or even what it is capable of. Employers can evaluate what education is needed to promote more employees taking advantage of whatever AI system works best for their business.