HR News Special Report - Where the Robots Are Replacing Humans
HREN News Roundup for the Week of 11/20
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This is a weekly roundup of the latest in HR News.
Human Resources professionals - like everyone else - are still trying to understand generative artificial intelligence (AI) and whether it will replace humans at work. Automation has already begun to have an impact on the workforce, but generative AI has the potential to take it to another level.
An edX survey revealed that 49% of CEOs believe that AI could replace "most" or "all" of their job, and 47% of them say that is a good thing. In contrast, only 20% of employees say AI could replace them at work. Almost half of the leaders don't believe workers are prepared for the future that is, in many ways, already arriving.
For this week's roundup of news, HR Exchange Network takes a look at the companies already pushing the envelope with AI and jobs.
IBM Reverses Its Position on the Machines
Back in May 2023, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said he was pausing hiring to replace nearly 8,000 jobs with AI. By the way, he called out HR as among the jobs the machines could do. Recently, he reversed course and simply said that white collar jobs will be the first impacted by AI but that people should embrace the technology because it will keep the economy humming even as the world faces a dramatic shift in demographics that could lead to a labor shortage, according to CNBC. IBM has been a leader in AI with its Watson technology dating back to 2011.
Amazon Is All in on AI
Amazon takes people on an emotional roller coaster with its recent action. On the one hand, it has invested in hiring more people to "sharpen its focus on generative AI," according to ComputerWorld. On the other hand, it is making more job cuts to its Alexa division. The layoffs reportedly will impact several hundred employees. The explanation shows how this shake up is unfolding in many companies as leaders seek to stay on the cutting edge in a fast-paced environment:
"Amazon noted that there are more than half a billion Alexa devices in customers’ homes. 'Our investments in generative AI are bringing our vision for an even more intuitive, intelligent, and useful Alexa closer than ever before,' the company said. 'As we continue to invent, we’re shifting some of our efforts to better align with our business priorities, and what we know matters most to customers—which includes maximizing our resources and efforts focused on generative AI. These shifts are leading us to discontinue some initiatives, which is resulting in role eliminations,'" according to ComputerWorld.
READ: A Look Back - Interview with ChatGPT on HR Trends for 2023
Chipotle Founder Creates Restaurant Run by the Robots
Steve Ells is returning to the restaurant industry with a new concept after famously leaving his role as Chipotle founder and CEO in 2020 after a series of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to the company's food. He invented the assembly line of personalized fast food dishes comprised of fresh ingredients, and now he is hoping to innovate in a way that is climate friendly by using fewer resources.
The concept, called Kernel, required Ells to assemble a team to determine how to best churn out orders in a small kitchen using robotics. This fast casual dining establishment only requires three workers, according to the Wall Street Journal. The savings will reportedly go toward higher salaries and better benefits than other fast food chains. The menu will include plant-based meat alternatives, but Ells says it will be for all consumers and not just vegetarians.
Obviously, major companies are investigating and investing in artificial intelligence. While everyone can agree that this technology will have an impact on the workforce, no one is sure what that will look like. More companies will likely consider ways generative AI can maximize efficiency and help them cut down costs. Still, the question remains: Will the robots replace humans? No one knows with certainty.
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