ChatGPT and other advanced artificial intelligence (AI) could replace 300 million full-time jobs, which is one-quarter of all jobs globally, according to Goldman Sachs. Human Resources is tasked with helping humans find – and keep – their livelihood, which is defined as the basic necessities of life. So, what is Human Resources to do?
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An unlikely bedfellow, Twitter CEO Elon Musk and other tech leaders, including Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, recently wrote an open letter to those advancing AI asking them to take a six-month pause in development to assess and address the grave risks to society.
What Are the Concerns about AI and ChatGPT?
As many have discussed since HR Exchange Network ran its interview with ChatGPT and its article on the nine HR jobs ChatGPT says it can do, there are a number of ethical concerns. It’s almost as if an alarm is going off.
Musk, who is a co-founder of OpenAI, the company responsible for ChatGPT, has criticized the organization previously. He has said it has diverged from its original purpose.
The letter, sent from the Future of Life Institute, a non-profit based in Cambridge, Mass., and signed by these leaders asks a number of questions about advanced AI including:
“Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones?”
Specifically, the letter asks for companies developing these technologies to “cease training models more powerful than GPT-4, the latest version of the large language model software development by U.S. startup OpenAI.”
Certainly, the other concerns, beyond job losses, are worrisome. The group raised issues, such as the further proliferation of misinformation and the potential for bias. Some have even suggested that artificial intelligence, with further advancements, could lead to anarchy. But most of those issues are further down the road. The most pressing of this moment is job loss. It appears to be most imminent.
What Does ChatGPT Have to Say about All This?
Of course, HR Exchange Network turned to ChatGPT to ask its thoughts about the letter and the potential job losses. To start, ChatGPT pointed out its limitations:
“As an AI language model, I don’t have personal feelings or opinions on this matter.”
Then, the interview resumed:
HREN: How many humans will lose their job to ChatGPT and other advanced AI?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have access to precise predictions about how many jobs will be impacted by the development of advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT. The impact of AI on the job market will depend on a variety of factors, including the pace of technological development, the availability of alternative jobs, and the ability of workers to adapt to new roles and acquire the necessary skills.
While some jobs may become automated and potentially displaced by AI, it is important to note that AI technology has also been shown to create new job opportunities and enhance the productivity and efficiency of many industries. It is also important for governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to work together to address potential negative impacts of AI on employment, including developing strategies to retrain workers and ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly across society.
Ultimately, the impact of AI on the job market is complex and multifaceted, and predictions about the number of jobs that may be impacted by AI should be viewed with caution. Rather than focusing solely on the potential negative impacts of AI on employment, it is important to approach the development and deployment of AI technology in a responsible and ethical manner that takes into account the potential benefits and risks for society as a whole.
What Can HR Do about the Coming Job Losses?
HREN: What should Human Resources leaders do about the coming job losses as a result of advanced artificial intelligence and ChatGPT?
As the development of advanced artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT continues to progress, it is possible that some jobs may be impacted and potentially displaced by automation. This can be a challenging situation for Human Resources (HR) leaders to navigate, as they will need to balance the needs of the organization with the wellbeing of their employees.
Here are some potential strategies that HR leaders may consider in response to the potential impact of AI on employment:
Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs: HR leaders can work with employees to identify opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, providing training and resources to help employees develop new skills and transition to new roles within the organization.
Foster a culture of continuous learning: HR leaders can create a culture of continuous learning within the organization, encouraging employees to take on new challenges and acquire new skills as they become available.
Create new roles and opportunities: While some jobs may be automated, AI can also create new roles and opportunities within an organization. HR leaders can work with teams to identify new areas where AI can be applied and create roles and opportunities that leverage the unique capabilities of AI.
Develop a strategy for managing workforce transitions: HR leaders can develop a strategy for managing workforce transitions, including identifying potential areas where automation may impact the organization, determining which jobs are at risk, and developing plans for transitioning impacted employees to new roles.
Communicate proactively with employees: It is important for HR leaders to communicate proactively with employees about the potential impact of AI on their roles and the organization as a whole. This can help employees understand the organization’s strategy for managing workforce transitions and alleviate concerns about the future.
Ultimately, HR leaders will need to approach the potential impact of AI on employment in a strategic and proactive manner, prioritizing the needs of their employees while also ensuring the long-term success of the organization.
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