Has Generative AI eaten the future of work?

Disclaimer: This is not another blog about Generative AI

Twelve years ago, we were confronted with the assertion that software was eating the world.

Three years ago, the future of work dominated discussion.

Today it seems, you can’t read the news, go to the pub, or sit down for family dinner without hearing someone either bemoan or celebrate Generative AI.

Times change and the discourse moves on. Software has indeed devoured the world and – despite the clickbait headline (sorry) – ChatGPT will one day feel as revolutionary as an abacus.

But work is still changing and will continue to change. In fact, work is transforming more rapidly than ever before.

Yes, Generative AI is impacting the transformation of work. Significantly, in some areas. A bit in some others. And not at all elsewhere. It’s lurking, cutlery in hand – but it hasn’t eaten it. Yet.

We’re all over Generative AI – experimenting, learning and training on it. But today we’re talking about a few other trends around how work is evolving.

They’re likely impacting, you, your customers and their customers. And for anyone wanting to join the discussion on this transformation – and have their voice heard – we’ve included some initial questions to get you thinking.

The top trends shaping the transformation of work are…

1. Navigating the demands of a multi-generational workforce

We currently have the widest generational split in the workforce than ever before. Someone born in 2001 may be working alongside some born before The Beatles had their first number one. Throw into this mix that these workers will be remote, in-office, or spread across different time zones, and you have a wealth of potential conflicts and issues to discuss.

So what you should you consider:

• Do employers need to prepare for an onslaught of Gen Z demands and idiosyncrasies, or are generational differences being exaggerated?
• As retirement ages move further and further past 60, do workplaces need to be more inclusive of silver workers or parents, and how can we tap into the decades of experience from older employees before they leave the workforce?
• How do empower all generations to take advantage of new technologies such as Generative AI?

2. Collaborating with ever sophisticated intelligence and automation

Whether it’s Generative AI or co-bots (collaborative robots), the real-world use cases for automation in the workplace have exploded in recent months. The value that automation provides is clear, however, the onus is now on us human-workers to adapt and incorporate this tech into our workflows.

What are the key questions to consider:

• How can we train and encourage staff to better use automation in their everyday work?
• Where automation and AI is implemented, where are the additional areas human-workers can add value?
• How far will Generative AI develop in the next two to three years and what impact will this have on certain knowledge-worker roles?

They’re the top two – the others explore the role of immersive technologies in advancing hybrid work, the impact of macroeconomic trends and the shifting balance of power between employee and employer.

But as the adage goes, “always leave them wanting more”, so if you do want to read about the remaining three, plus some solid gold comms strategies, you’ll have to read our eBook: Carving out a voice in the transformation of work.

It provides insights for comms leaders on what’s happening in the changing world of work and how brands can contribute positively to the conversation.

If you like what you see and want more information, then please get in touch here!