Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly seen as a transformative force in the workplace, with many fearing that it threatens job security. However, Professor Jose Gerardo Santamaria of the Asian Institute of Management suggests a different perspective.
Rethinking AI's Impact on Employment
AI is not simply eliminating jobs. It is redesigning work in ways that create value, expand roles, and help people grow.
Prof. Jose Gerardo Santamaria, Asian Institute of Management
Instead of fearing job loss, Santamaria believes workers should embrace AI as a tool that will reshape their roles. The professor notes that repetitive tasks have long been targets for automation, and AI simply broadens this scope.
- 47% of employers have adopted AI in their organizations.
- 34% of employees actively use AI tools at work.
- 26% of employees report receiving no AI training.
As AI takes over more routine tasks, employees are likely to engage in more complex and meaningful work. This shift could foster growth in skills that are uniquely human, such as creativity and ethical judgment.
However, the transition is not without challenges. A significant number of employees feel unprepared for this change, with 65% expressing a desire for more training in AI-related skills.
Santamaria warns that leaders focusing solely on using AI for cost-cutting may overlook opportunities to enhance job satisfaction and employee development. He states that this mindset could hinder the potential benefits of AI.
As industries evolve, so too must educational programs. Business schools, such as the AIM Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business, are adapting curricula to emphasize skills that AI cannot replicate, including critical thinking and empathy.
The goal is to equip future leaders with the ability to navigate a rapidly changing work environment, ensuring they can leverage AI effectively while fostering human connections.