AI has gradually joined the workforce to do the tasks previously performed by human beings.

For example, with the introduction of the Siri feature on iOS devices, customers can order for services from platforms like uber, shop online or even deposit and withdraw money.

Machines can do the work currently handled by humans in almost half the time required by humans, offering high levels of efficiency and almost no errors to troubleshoot.

Therefore, its of no surprise that many businesses are turning to Artificial Intelligence and automation to increase their productivity and reduce costs incurred in production.

On top of their efficiency, Artificial Intelligence and automation eliminate the additional costs of hiring labour such as perks like insurance, allowances and lawsuits.

A recent McKinsey report showed that by the middle of the 2030s, over 30% of jobs currently done by human beings would be automated, and even more in the long run.

Even though these findings might sound to be alarming to the workforce concerned about where Artificial Intelligence and automation will leave them, not all hope is lost.

As much as it might seem that Artificial Intelligence and automation will perform every workplace activity that human beings are currently doing, this is not entirely true.

Stay relevant in the AI and automation era

Venture into AI and other related fields

You must have heard of the saying, “If you cannot beat them, join them.”

Venturing into AI, ML and automation can enable individuals to prepare for this new world and even position themselves to possess the skills that will be highly demanded.

One such field is AI development, software development, and data analysis.

Individuals and business companies that will equip themselves with such skills will gain the leverage needed to survive and thrive in this fast paced and changing automated world.

Upskilling

Unfortunately, not all of us might have the opportunity to venture into professions like software development or Artificial Intelligence development for one reason or the other.

However, not all hope is lost for those who fail to venture in developing these technologies. Upskilling is an excellent way to increase your chances of thriving in an automated world.

Upskilling involves preparing employees to work with emerging software and arming them with the skills required to stay competitive as the industry and companies advance.

Humans vs AI and automation

In as much as automation and Artificial Intelligence have undeniable perks, humans possess some skills that cannot be taught to a machine and these include the following.

Critical thinking skills

Robots have high levels of intelligence with the ability to perform tasks efficiently and without error, but they do not have equally important traits like rationality, analysis and reasoning.

Polishing such skills would go a long way in competing and working with machines.

Teamwork

One strong quality that human beings possess is the ability to collaborate. Be it coming up with a new feature, service or solving a problem, something machines are yet to achieve.

Humans can put their heads together and brainstorm unique ideas to solve complex problems.

Adaptability and flexibility

Machines and robots operate on principles of predictability and logic.

They follow clear patterns and functions that are embedded in them. Therefore, if they were to encounter a new variable or error, they would not know how to deal with it.

However, human beings are adaptable and flexible. They can adapt to unique circumstances and find solutions to problems because they usually have contingency plans in place.

Creativity

Human beings are innately creative and innovative. An individual is looking for gaps in systems, service provision, product development and closing these gaps at every point in time.

Unfortunately, robots do not possess such a skill.

As a professional in the tech world, to thrive in the emerging automated world, sharpening the above skills will give you the much-needed leverage to stay relevant.

Do you want to gain or maintain that competitive edge in the market? Quality is what we can help you prioritise. Schedule a call with one of our experts today!

Gerald Ainomugisha is a freelance Content Solutions Provider (CSP) offering both content and copy writing services for businesses of all kinds, especially in the niches of management, marketing and technology.