ChatGPT, a machine-learning chatbot that analyzes billions of sentences from the internet to produce human-like answers to user inquiries, has been the subject of much discussion in recent months. It is obvious that this technology, which is still in its infancy, has tremendous potential. This tool places the power of AI in the hands of common users, and by last November, it had surpassed over 100 million users in just the first two months of its debut. It is thought that this development rate is unprecedented. In contrast, Instagram took more than two years to achieve this amount.
We are witnessing "the emergence of a whole new set of technologies that will be revolutionary," according to Satya Nadella, CEO and Chairman of Microsoft, the company behind ChatGPT, in which Microsoft has made significant investments. Google unveiled the 'Bard' chatbot on February 6, 2023, in an obvious attempt to counter ChatGPT's popularity. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has also predicted that this technology will fundamentally alter how people find information online and has cautioned that "the use of it will inevitably result in the loss of white-collar jobs."
In the past, technical advancements have always inspired both excitement and fear in different people. White-collar workers have always felt a sense of security when it comes to the effect on their jobs, whereas blue-collar jobs have always felt the greatest impact through either major change or simply becoming obsolete. It seems as though the roles have reversed for the first time, and white-collar employees are now wary of AI.
When added to current jobs, AI applications like ChatGPT can increase capabilities and productivity. For instance, AI in journalism can quickly condense, compile, and even articulate entire pieces. The effects on the workplace include the creation of new positions, the transformation of existing ones—possibly sooner than many anticipate—and the elimination of certain roles. There is nothing particularly novel here in terms of digital innovation, other than the possibility that the impacted roles will mainly be filled by highly qualified, well-trained, and digitally savvy individuals. This is because such technology can make innovative work, difficult problem-solving, drafting, and even advice, easier.
As an illustration, it is possible that a single skilled software developer with an expanded position thanks to AI applications could replace a small team of software developers.
This technology will mainly allow workers to concentrate on tasks that add value in the short term. To spot and map potential treatment plans, medical professionals could save crucial time by not spending hours sifting through patient records and journal articles. To prepare interview questions, summarise CVs, and draught employment openings, HR professionals can use AI applications.
Assisting employees in adjusting to the speed of change
Organizations have a crucial duty to aid employees in developing their abilities, keeping up with the challenges of the modern world, and remaining relevant. Initiatives to upskill workers may eventually equip them with the skills needed to continue working even if their present positions are eliminated. Lowering inequality and fostering more social order, has positive effects on society as a whole. Organizations could reallocate resources to fill skills shortages if employees were upskilled.
DesiCrew, with DTouch, has identified the following five upskilling building blocks when putting upskilling projects into practice in the modern workplace.
1. Determine any ability mismatches or gaps
2. Create an abilities plan that is future-ready.
3. Create the societal framework
4. Create and put into practice upskilling
5. Determine the ROI