Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize the workplace in the next five years, with many companies expected to employ fewer people due to AI technology, according to a survey by staffing provider Adecco Group.
The survey, which included responses from senior executives at 2,000 large companies worldwide, revealed that 41% of them anticipate having smaller workforces as a result of AI. This shift is driven by the emergence of generative AI, which can create text, photos, and videos in response to open-ended prompts.
Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have already begun laying off employees as they focus on AI systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s chatbot Gemini. The World Economic Forum also predicts that AI will lead to job losses for 25% of companies, while creating new roles for 50% of them.
Adecco CEO Denis Machuel emphasized the need for companies to prepare for this disruption by training their existing staff to work with AI, rather than relying solely on recruiting specialists from outside. The Swiss company itself uses AI in its operations, such as helping clients create resumes.
Despite the concerns about job losses, Machuel believes that AI has the potential to create as many jobs as it eliminates. He stressed the importance of embracing AI as a “job creator” and leveraging its capabilities to drive innovation and growth in various sectors.
As companies across the globe grapple with the implications of AI on their workforce, the key takeaway is clear: adapting to the AI-driven future is essential for staying competitive and thriving in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.