How AI Will Impact The Next Generation Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact in the last few years, and AI has the potential to significantly impact the next generation of workers in both a positive and negative way as AI continues to become more progressive. The World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2020” predicts 85 million jobs globally will be replaced by AI by 2025. The same report also indicates that AI can potentially generate 97 million new roles.

However, the types of jobs that AI will create will differ from those being lost. New graduates are embarking into a different type of workforce, and the data entry and processing positions, mostly seen as entry-level positions for graduates and people early in their careers, are now automated through AI. This puts recent graduates in an interesting position while seeking to enter the workforce.

We live in a fast past world, and AI is making a continuous impact on today’s workforce. The good news is that AI will enhance jobs that require problem-solving, creativity, and empathy to a new level, which will create new opportunities like never before. The new generation of workers needs to be able to adapt to the recent changes in the workforce. It is essential for people seeking to secure new positions to have an open mind but, more importantly, have a diversified set of skill sets that will drive impact for the company of choice. If workers can transition and develop a strategic set of skills, AI can be seen as an asset and the best thing to boost your career.

How AI Is Transforming The Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how we work, and its impact on accessibility and equity in the workforce is profound. By leveraging AI technologies, organizations can address barriers, promote inclusivity, and create equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. We will explore further how AI is transforming the workforce, enabling accessibility, and fostering equity.

Breaking Barriers Through Adaptive Work Environments

AI-powered tools are reshaping work environments to accommodate individual needs. Voice recognition and natural language processing empower individuals with disabilities to communicate and interact effectively. Personalized workspaces, adjustable lighting, temperature, and other environmental factors enhance comfort and productivity. By adapting to employees’ unique requirements, AI promotes inclusivity and accessibility.

We see data that shows AI is promoting inclusivity and accessibility in many ways that impact workers. According to Accenture, 84% of C-suite executives feel they must leverage AI to accomplish their growth objectives, but most still need to put AI to work to advance growth through inclusion. The research suggests many are not fully aware of the barriers to inclusion that may exist in their organizations, but 67 % of C-suite respondents believe they’ve built a supportive workplace that enables their disabled employees to thrive with the right technology, environment, and support. Nevertheless, only 41 % of employees with disabilities agree.

Advanced Inclusive Hiring Practices through AI:

According to LinkedIn’s research from the past year, 65 % of organizations have set up diversity initiatives, such as Google and Microsoft, while 78 % of companies focus on diversity to reinforce their cultures. Companies now have the emergence of AI-enabled tools and technologies to help avoid issues and challenges around inclusive hiring. AI algorithms are revolutionizing the hiring process, promoting diversity and equitable opportunities.

AI enables organizations to identify talent that may have been overlooked, fostering inclusivity in recruitment. Traditional biases are mitigated by anonymizing candidate information during initial screening, allowing AI to focus solely on qualifications and skills. This approach levels the playing field and reduces unconscious biases that hinder underrepresented individuals.

Though we still have a long way to go, AI has played an impactful role in dismantling some of the bias and discrimination within the hiring process, making it possible for companies to achieve greater diversity and inclusion in hiring. Also, according to recent reports, recruiters can use AI tools to discover high-potential candidates outside job boards and other traditional sources. This is how employers can find more diverse candidates that may have yet to be noticed.

AI is also making an impact on data-driven decision-making for equity. AI’s analytical capabilities unlock valuable insights from vast amounts of workforce data, aiding evidence-based decision-making for equity. AI systems analyze patterns and trends to identify potential biases and inequalities within an organization. With this knowledge, organizations can develop targeted strategies to address systemic issues, fostering diversity and inclusion.

AI tools are also playing a vital role in expanding access to job opportunities for minorities, giving candidates a better chance of landing a fulfilling position. These tools broaden talent sourcing by identifying and connecting organizations with underrepresented candidates, fostering a more equitable workforce. By analyzing candidate skills, qualifications, and job requirements, AI-powered platforms provide personalized job recommendations, opening doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Bridging The Skills Gap

Overall, AI is making a significant impact in bridging the skills gap in the workforce. AI bridges the skills gap, ensuring equitable access to career development. AI-powered learning platforms offer personalized training and up-skilling opportunities, irrespective of one’s background or location. By considering individual learning styles and preferences, AI fosters equitable access to educational resources. Individuals from underrepresented groups can acquire relevant skills, empowering them to pursue new job opportunities.

8 Ways AI Tools Can Assist Minorities And Recent Graduates In Securing New Job Opportunities

Resume Optimization: AI-powered tools like resume.io can analyze resumes and provide feedback on how to optimize them for specific job positions. These tools can suggest improvements in formatting, keywords, and content to increase the chances of resume visibility and attract the attention of recruiters.

Job Matching: AI algorithms can analyze job requirements and candidates’ skills, qualifications, and experience to match individuals from minority backgrounds with relevant job opportunities. By considering a broader range of factors beyond traditional qualifications, AI tools can identify job openings that may be a good fit for minority candidates.

Skill Development: AI-powered learning platforms can provide personalized training and upskilling opportunities tailored to the needs of minority job seekers. These platforms can identify skill gaps and recommend relevant courses, tutorials, or resources to enhance candidates’ competencies and increase their chances of securing job opportunities.

Interview Preparation: AI tools can assist candidates in preparing for interviews by providing mock interview simulations and feedback. These tools can analyze candidates’ responses, assess their performance, and offer suggestions for improvement, helping them build confidence and enhance their interview skills.

Networking and Mentorship: AI-powered platforms can facilitate networking and mentorship opportunities for minority job seekers. These tools can connect individuals with professionals from similar backgrounds or industries, providing guidance, advice, and valuable connections that can enhance their job prospects.

Bias Detection and Mitigation: AI tools can help detect and mitigate biases in job postings, application screening, and candidate evaluations. By analyzing language, keywords, and historical data, these tools can identify potential biases and provide recommendations for inclusive and equitable practices, promoting fair hiring processes.

Accessibility Accommodations: AI can enhance accessibility in the job search process for individuals with disabilities. AI-powered tools can provide features such as screen readers, voice recognition, or captioning to make job search platforms and applications more accessible, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

Overall, AI is here to stay, and it’s essential for the workforce to understand how to leverage AI to work for you in your future career goals. AI tools can be valuable and can complement your efforts and not replace human interactions and personalized job search strategies. It is crucial to tailor your approach and utilize relevant AI tools to maximize your benefits in your job search journey.