By Esmée Hardwick-Slack
There’s no doubt that technology and A.I are going to change the face of employment as we know it. We have already seen an increase in self-service check outs, self-driving cars and automated sales calls, and for many companies the idea of replacing human worker with robots may seem very enticing. A robot can work 24/7 with little to no pay or benefits, and in many cases is often faster than a human with fewer errors.
Back in 2017, a report by PwC estimated that robots could take up to 30% of UK jobs as soon as 2030, while the Bank of England has suggested that as many 15 million jobs could be at risk. But what exactly makes jobs at risk of automation? It all comes down to what the role entails, the more a job can be broken down into a series of routine tasks, the more likely it is to be replaced by robots.
According to a study by Oxford University, these jobs are most likely to be automated:
- Data Entry Keyers
- Library Technicians
- New Accounts Clerks
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Tax Preparers
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- Watch Repairers
- Insurance Underwriters
- Mathematical Technicians
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
- Telemarketers
However, not all jobs are a risk of becoming completely automated, although there are areas that may be affected slightly. For example, A.I and technology may have a larger role to play in the health services, working alongside doctors and nurses rather than replacing them completely, this is also true for jobs in teaching or social work. The reason these roles cannot be completely replaced is because they require a human touch and rely heavily on social or ‘soft’ skills, something that can’t be replicated by a machine.
These are some of the least likely jobs to become fully automated:
- Recreational Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Choreographers
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Psychologists
- Elementary School Teachers
- Dentists
But it’s not all doom and gloom, everyone should be able to take advantages of the opportunities that will come with the rise in technological advancements. Introducing technology in the workplace as support for workers could allow them to have more flexibility and move away from routine, repetitive tasks into more rewarding work and encouraging them to develop their strategic and social skills in the workplace.
Costin Tuculescu, VP of collaboration product at Intermedia has said: “As technology continues to facilitate the future of work, it’s time for organisations to recognise the future of employee expectations as well. From mobile applications to video conferencing to email and voice assistance, employees want technology that works for them, not the other way around.
“Simply put, organisations that leverage the unified communications technologies employees are looking for will be the one better positioned to succeed. Additionally, as a result of these technologies removing location restrictions and promoting a more flexible work environment, companies can experience a positive impact on their ability to recruit, hire, and retain top talent.”
If you want to check how safe your job will be when the robots takeover check out the website Will Robots Take My Job to find out!
What are your thoughts on job automation? Would you rather have a robot workforce? Let us know in the comments or on our Twitter & Facebook.
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