Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are two technologies that are rapidly altering the ways people do things. Those technologies have also changed the workforce and jobs market, and they’ll continue to do that in 2019.
Here are six likely predictions.
1. Recruiters Will Have More Time to Find the Best Candidates
Recruiting for open positions is not a straightforward process, especially for the most in-demand roles that could attract dozens of applicants or more.
That’s why automation technology is an emerging trend human resources professionals will implement in 2019 even more than they are now. Without the help of such AI-driven tools, recruiters could devote approximately one-third of their workweeks to manually sourcing candidates.
When they use automated recruiting platforms instead, locating the most appropriate people for open jobs becomes a more efficient process. Plus, letting technology do some of the legwork means recruiters will have more time in their schedules for face-to-face meetings. Then, people that might otherwise get overlooked have chances to shine.
2. More Components of Jobs Will Be Suitable for Automation
Research suggests that about 60 percent of jobs have at least 30 percent of activities that could be automated.
As companies continue to explore ways to experiment with automation, people may find that their everyday tasks change. That’s because there’s a push to automate responsibilities that are dangerous, dirty or dull, thereby keeping workers safer and preventing them from having to do so many unpleasant duties.
3. The Productivity of Companies That Use These Technologies Will Go Up
When automation technology and AI get used simultaneously, there’s a strong likelihood that companies can anticipate getting more done and going through fewer periods of downtime. That’s because, unlike humans, machines do not require breaks.
When automated machinery has AI components, it could detect instances of failing parts before the machines shut down, letting operators respond proactively.
At some manufacturing plants, unplanned downtime costs companies as much as $22,000 per minute. So, those instances are both unproductive and costly. Robotics equipment that utilizes AI will keep more facilities running without interruptions.
4. Salary Increases Will Be Possible for the Highly Skilled
Although many people have weighed in and felt worried about how robots could replace the jobs humans do, it’s necessary to take a broader view and remember that robotics could also increase earnings potential for people who want to upskill and learn how to operate or repair the robots at their facilities.
One study from a researcher at Uppsala University concluded that the job market is becoming more highly skilled due to the use of robotics. Moreover, job opportunities increase for people who have those high-level skills.