THE AUGMENTED WORKFORCE

Why AI is an augmentation rather than an alternative – Ruwandi Perera

Year 2024 is here… and it’s a mixed bag if ever there was one! Several countries including Russia and the US have scheduled their presidential elections this year, Paris is preparing to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and the UN has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids – meaning animals such as camels and llamas, which play a key role in animal husbandry.

In addition to keeping pace with elections, the Olympian Games and alpacas, it’s also crucial to keep abreast of or be on top of tech trends that will dominate the year.

Gartner has published the top 10 strategic tech trends for 2024, which include several areas such as democratised generative AI to machine customers and sustainable technology.

Yet, what is inspirational for businesses and employees alike, in terms of a new year’s resolution, is the rise of the augmented and connected workforce.

Globally, organisations will optimise talent to be augmented and connected; and corporates will embrace intelligent applications and analytics, to ensure that workers are upskilled, reskilled and ready to drive results!

So what does augmentation mean?

According to a white paper published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2022, it refers to using technology to empower and engage people, while improving productivity and fostering excellence.

It’s all about using technology to support and amplify human capabilities.

From virtual reality to exoskeletons (mechanical frames with joints that can be worn to augment human strength), augmentation technology is everywhere. And its benefits are manifold for both humans and businesses, ranging from increasing the efficiency of industrial operations to creating more inclusive work environments.

Yet, its core benefit is simple and profound since it supports human-tech collaboration.

Collaboration is a crucial aspect of augmentation technology. It underscores the fact that while technology will solve problems, humans are essential to decide which problems to solve.

The augmented worker has a hybrid skillset that combines tech skills, soft skills, digital know-how and a protechnology attitude. These qualities are necessary to successfully work with and get work done through technology.

This sounds obvious because we’ve been living with technology for some time, right?

Not entirely, since in reality, human-tech collaboration remains a problem child. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) began some years ago with the advent of IoT and AI. However, we’re still seeing businesses struggling in the pilot phase of their Industry 4.0 strategy.

So why is something that has the potential to unlock exponential value for businesses and people not rolling out the way it should?

Probably because it also gives rise to challenges, the most concerning being the determination of the role of humans in a tech driven world.

There is a sense of uncertainty, insecurity and ambiguity about Industry 4.0, and concern whether it will make humans redundant. While this threat can’t be completely dismissed, it can be dealt with by thinking positively. After all, the key to the success of Industry 4.0 is the augmented worker because there’s no point in having the power of technology if there is no one to use it.

While businesses will have to get their act together and invest in augmenting the workforce, workers too will have to do their part and augment themselves autonomously.

So why not make self-augmentation a new year’s resolution to stick by?

Start by embracing technology – beyond social media and communications – instead of shunning it.

Experiment. Experiment. Experiment. Try out artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Poe and YouChat to start things off. Don’t shy away from registering for more cloud technology platforms, get help from free virtual assistants and use automation to help plan day-to-day activities.

Instead of being frightened by social listening, when you find your Instagram homepage showing ads for something you just had a conversation about, see how you can use it to your advantage.

It’s all about constantly evolving, adapting and learning to remain relevant. After all, change is the only constant in this world and those who don’t change will perish. So get fully onboard the tech gravy train.

Technology is everywhere – and it’s not all evil like some may say. It’s helpful, useful and most importantly, right there in the palm of your hand!