Automation replaced 800000 workers, but created 3.5 million new jobs
We have been worried: automation, artificial intelligence, machines will replace our jobs, and then we will be unemployed. However, you never expect that it will bring us more employment opportunities.
For example, Deloitte, a famous law firm, has conducted automation research in the UK and found that with the rise of AI and other automation technologies, 800000 low skilled jobs have been eliminated. But at the same time, they have helped create 3.5 million new jobs, which earn an average of $13000 a year more than lost jobs.
There is no doubt that technology is changing the way we work. These changes can improve people's lives and make us more creative and intelligent workers. Automation and artificial intelligence usually mean that employees can spend more time doing complex tasks that are especially suitable for human beings, such as interacting with customers or participating in brainstorming Innovation Activities. In the long run, creativity will become an important difference between man and machine. Here are three examples of companies using automation to create jobs and help their leaders develop better businesses.
1. Bakery chain
Panera bread, a bakery chain, announced in April that it had decided to add 10000 delivery drivers and coffee shop jobs because of the popularity of its delivery service. Through the AI based digital platform in the chain, customers' demand for soup and sandwiches was so high that the company decided to expand the service to 40% of its stores. The company said its drivers would enjoy "daytime working hours and competitive wages", which would further enhance the customer experience.
Panera bread's decision to hire its own driver rather than outsource delivery services to third parties may suggest another automation driven trend. If all companies can obtain the same cost saving and service acceleration technology, then the competitive advantage may come from the differentiated customer experience, which is derived from human creativity.
2. Malin steel works
The Marin steel plant in Baltimore is a classic example of automation driven innovation. Under competition from Chinese manufacturers, the price of Malin's core products fell, forcing the company to turn. Marin steel bought robotic wire formers and began to focus on producing high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and general motors. In addition, it employs more people, raises wages and attracts more workers from different backgrounds.
Drew Greenblatt, Malin's chief executive and owner, says automation not only provides a lifeline for the company's development, but also benefits its employees. "All of a sudden, the productivity of the workers increased dramatically because we gave them the tools, that is, robotics and automation technology," he said. Thanks to these robots, without them, these people will lose their jobs. "
Using robotics to help create higher quality products and attract more big customers. The success of Marin steel shows another positive effect brought about by automation, which is the opportunity for higher profit margins for the company. Being competitive means finding new advantages that motivate people to join your company.
3. American e-commerce Boxed
When AI and robots replaced 100 workers at the distribution center of boxed, an online grocery start-up, instead of firing them, the company offered them training and promoted them to different departments. Some workers become trainers to teach new colleagues how to use the new distribution system, while others switch to customer service roles. Many temporary workers become full-time employees and enjoy a 13% pay rise.
After spending millions of dollars to introduce AI and automation into the distribution process, boxed could have cut costs if it simply fired workers who were replaced by automation. On the contrary, the company made a value driven decision to retain its employees.
According to a recent study, 10000 new AI jobs could be created in the United States alone this year, and the disruptive nature of automation is forcing discussion about the best way to use AI tools. What will the company look like in the future? How will work and productivity change? How does society need to evolve to cope with these changes? These are challenging and exciting questions. Change allows us to test our values and define who we are. When we finally find the answer, AI and automation will help us implement these solutions.