Thriving in an automated workplace
Via McKinsey, a core
workplace issue is how
to thrive in an automated workplace. It's pretty optimistic. Some
background the article provided:
- Occupations won't be automated out of existence in the near term. But up to 45% of activities will become fully automated, leading to job redefinition.
- Benefits of automating activities is 3-10 times the cost.
- Fewer than 5% of occupations will be fully automated by current technology, but 60% of occupations can automate at least 30% of activities.
- Paradoxically, activities in high-wage occupations (e.g., 20% of a CEO's activities) can also be automated, but certain lower-wage occupations can't be easily automated, e.g., home health aides, landscapers, maintenance workers.
- What sets humans apart, so they say, is creativity and emotional intelligence. However, only 4% of activities require creativity, and 29% require emotional intelligence.
What does this mean
for the future?
- Jobs need to be redefined to absorb automation of activities.
- New job forms can engage people in more creative and innovative activities.
Other thoughts:
Christians in the workplace have an additional opportunity. Determining and
pursuing God's calling can't be automated. A calling creates a vision of an end
state, and reaching that end state requires creativity, innovation, and
integration. Those areas are still the province of humans.
