Automation and Job Security

During a recent speaking engagement, a member of the audience asked me how to best prepare for the coming era of AI and robotic automation so as not to be expendable. My answer was, "Automate yourself out of a job." Proactively automating your role is the best way to ensure you have a job after the automation revolution, which is driven by AI and robotics. By taking the initiative to automate your tasks, you gain an invaluable advantage: you deeply understand how automation works, its strengths, limitations, and its impact on your specific job. This hands-on experience positions you uniquely, making you the perfect candidate to help others implement similar efficiencies. Instead of fearing automation, embrace it. Learn about the tools that threaten your job, master them, and become the go-to expert who knows exactly how and when to deploy automation solutions. Your ability to automate your role proves your adaptability, foresight, and value. Remember: automation isn't about removing you from the workforce; it's about shifting your role from repetitive tasks to high-level strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. Be the conductor of your career and the automation era ahead. Automate yourself today to secure your career tomorrow. #AI #Career #FutureofWork #Automation

How to Prevent becoming Redundant due to AI - by building human skills   Global surveys are revealing that AI and automation are replacing many jobs. Leading software product Companies are indicating that about a third of their software is built using AI. Many executives I know are quietly panicking about whether their role will survive the AI and automation wave. We see many companies implement AI systems that eliminate roles overnight. The fear is palpable—who's next? The traditional method of protecting your career from automation: -           Be a continuous learner – use automation and become AI savvy -           Become resilient, adapt to fast-moving change Yet this strategy – while necessary, is simply insufficient. The secret isn't fighting automation—it's amplifying what makes you human. This may seem counter intuitive! Think of it this way: automation can process data faster than any human, but it can't read the room during a tense board meeting. AI can analyze customer complaints, but it can't genuinely connect with an upset client over coffee. Your competitive advantage lies in enhancing your qualities like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and building authentic relationships. These are the skills that have become even more valuable as many routine tasks are automated. This approach protects you from the real threat: becoming a commodity that can be replaced by software. Here's how to ensure you are not replaced by AI, robots and automation – investing 20 – 30 minutes each day to enhance your key human-centric skills: -           Practice active listening in meetings -           Mentor a junior colleague -           Work on reading nonverbal cues – reading a room -           Increase your Emotional Quotient Your career security will grow stronger while others worry about being replaced. Job losses? They are unlikely to include executives who invest in their humanity. Are these skills already included in your skill building list? If not, add them now.

Amazon's $700M robot gamble changed retail forever. 750,000 warehouse robots were deployed while workers were retrained for over 700 new job categories. When Amazon accelerated warehouse robotics, they expected productivity to skyrocket. Instead, turnover rates went through the roof. This isn't just an Amazon problem - McKinsey reports that only 30% of digital transformations succeed. The main blocker? Human resistance and cultural barriers - something we encounter daily at RobotLAB. Nearly 90% of workers worry that robots will impact their job security. These fears manifest predictably: • "Accidental" errors with new systems • Quietly reverting to old processes • Decreased engagement Most companies respond by doubling down on training. This approach backfires every time. Amazon recognized this pattern and made a radical shift in its strategy. They launched "Career Choice" - offering education for ANY career path, even outside Amazon. After just 90 days, workers qualify for tuition, books, and fees. The genius is in the details: • Training for in-demand fields • No cap on usage years • Available to all workers Amazon faced the same skepticism I hear from clients: "Why invest in people who might leave?" Yet they persisted, understanding what I had always known: addressing fear is the only way forward. The results: • 200,000+ participants worldwide • 40% lower turnover in warehouses with upskilling The most surprising benefit? Employee-led innovation skyrocketed. Workers who felt secure began improving automation systems rather than resisting them. At RobotLAB, we've implemented these exact principles with remarkable results. We've helped dozens of businesses introduce automation that employees welcome. The key? Being there on-site, providing that "hand-holding" with education and clear career pathways. Want your team to embrace automation? I wrote "Our Robotics Future" specifically as a guide for business owners navigating this transition. The future belongs to companies that recognize what I've seen for years - automation isn't just a technical challenge, it's a human one. When you address the psychology first, the technology follows. Make robots work FOR people, not against them. Follow me for more insights on owning the last mile of robotics and AI.

🛣️ "AI Will Steal Our Jobs!" - The Modern Toll Booth Panic Remember when we thought automated toll collection would destroy thousands of jobs? Today, no one mourns the loss of manual toll collection. Instead, we celebrate faster commutes, reduced traffic, and more efficient highway systems. The fear of job displacement due to automation is nothing new - but history shows us a different story. The reality is that AI, like any transformative technology, doesn't simply eliminate jobs - it transforms them. Take our customer's AP department as an example. Rather than replacing their AP clerk, AI automation enabled that single employee to process an astounding $2B in annual spend. The clerk's role evolved from manual data entry to managing exceptions, analyzing patterns, and making strategic decisions. Just as E-ZPass didn't end transportation jobs but shifted them to more valuable areas, AI in finance isn't about replacement - it's about enhancement. It frees humans from mundane, repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on work that truly requires human judgment, creativity, and relationship building. The next time someone says "I'll never let AI touch our financials," remind them that their morning commute is smoother because they embraced automation at the toll booth. The future of finance isn't about fewer jobs - it's about better ones.

🌍 AI & Automation: Replacing or Augmenting Expertise? Automation is transforming the job market in complex ways—it can replace experts while also augmenting expertise. The impact depends on how AI reshapes task demands and expertise requirements. 📌 Key Insights: ✔️ Beyond "Exposure" – Jobs aren’t simply replaced or augmented; expertise plays a key role in determining employment and wages. ✔️ Expertise Matters – If AI reduces expertise requirements, employment may rise but wages may fall. If it raises expertise requirements, wages may rise but employment may not. ✔️ Past vs. Present – Unlike past automation (which displaced routine tasks), AI is now handling non-routine cognitive tasks, changing how expertise is valued. ✔️ US vs. Europe – European labor policies better cushion workers from job loss, unlike the US, where displaced workers receive less support. ✔️ Older Workers & AI – Aging populations mean experienced workers remain valuable, but rapid tech shifts may make them vulnerable. ✔️ Education is Key – Investing in education and retraining is the best strategy for long-term workforce success. ✔️ Skills + Social Insurance – The AI transition requires both skills development and strong social protections to support workers. AI is reshaping the labor market, but human expertise remains indispensable. The key challenge? Ensuring workers can adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape. 🚀 Source: Institute for Employment Research of the German Federal Employment Agency #FutureOfWork #AI #Automation #SkillsDevelopment

“47% of American jobs are at risk of being automated.” That number comes from a 2013 Oxford study by economists Frey and Osborne, who estimated the probability of computerization across 702 occupations. Just three years later, the OECD revised the estimate to 9%. Why the difference? The original study treated jobs as indivisible bundles. OECD broke them down into tasks. Even in roles at “high-risk” for automation, many tasks - like face-to-face interaction, creative problem-solving, or context-sensitive judgment - are not easily automated. When we think about automation, it should be at the task level, not the job level. ATMs didn’t eliminate tellers; they shifted the role toward customer-facing services. Instead of asking “Will this job disappear?”, it’s more useful to ask “Which tasks are being reshaped, and how does the human role evolve?” This is Part II of my three-part newsletter series on the Principles of Automation, adapted from my forthcoming book Designing Automated Futures with Rosenfeld Media. 👇 Link in comments.

Is automation replacing human jobs? The truth might surprise you. Automation is rapidly evolving, and there’s a lot of concern about machines taking over jobs. But here’s the truth: automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about elevating them. 👷♂️🤖 Here’s how automation is transforming, not eliminating, the workforce: 1. Shifting Roles, Not Reducing Them Automation takes over repetitive, low-skill tasks. This shift frees up employees to focus on higher-value activities, like quality control, maintenance, and innovation. Far from making people obsolete, it gives them the chance to take on more meaningful roles. 2. Creating Demand for New Skills Automation demands new skills in programming, maintenance, and systems integration. As companies embrace tech, there’s a growing demand for skilled workers who can manage and optimize these systems. 3. Boosting Productivity and Job Satisfaction By handling tedious tasks, automation improves productivity and helps reduce burnout. Employees can engage in tasks that use their expertise and creativity, leading to higher job satisfaction. 4. Opening Opportunities in Emerging Fields As automation transforms traditional roles, new fields like AI, robotics, and data analytics are growing. Companies are investing in training and upskilling to equip their teams with these high-demand skills. 💡 Key Insight: Automation isn’t about replacing workers—it’s about evolving the workplace. By embracing this shift, employees can find more purpose and opportunities in their careers. #Automation #FutureOfWork #ManufacturingTrends #SkillDevelopment

When I was at the Automate Show in Detroit a few weeks ago it felt like stepping into the future of manufacturing and construction. 🤖 One thing is clear: automation isn't eliminating jobs, it's transforming them. Manufacturers are increasingly looking for workers who can repair and maintain complex machinery and robotics, highlighting the growing demand for technical roles in the industry. In the next 2–5 years, here are some roles that will be in high demand: - Automation Technicians – the people who keep the machines running - Robotics Engineers & Integrators – designing and deploying the tech - Mechatronics Techs – think mechanical + electrical + coding - Industrial Data Analysts – turning machine data into smarter decisions - Cybersecurity (OT/Industrial) – keeping connected systems protected There's a real opportunity right now to upskill people already in trades and help them evolve with the tech. Local programs, trade schools, apprenticeships—these need support and partnership from industry if we want to meet the demand. And from a recruiter's seat, I can tell you - companies that invest in building these skillsets early are going to have a serious edge. Let's get ahead of it! Not sure where to start? Reach out and let's chat! #Automate2025 #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #ManufacturingJobs #Recruiting

A report on the future of job by the World Economic Forum's has shed light on an alarming trend: the accelerated pace at which automation is impacting our workforce. According to their findings, a staggering 85 million jobs are expected to be displaced within the next five years, calling for immediate attention and proactive measures to address this major disruption. By the year 2025, automation will spearhead a new division of labor between humans and machines, affecting businesses across 15 different industries in 26 economies worldwide. This revelation pushes us to reevaluate our strategies and embrace the opportunities that lie within this transformation. While the numbers may sound daunting, it is crucial to view this shift with a balanced perspective. The advent of automation does not exclusively portend pessimistic outcomes for individuals seeking employment and professionals; rather, it serves as a noteworthy conduit or societal advancement and technological innovation. By recognizing and harnessing the potential of automation, we can pave the way for a future where humans and machines work harmoniously. The key to seizing this opportunity lies in upskilling and reskilling our workforce. As automation takes over repetitive and mundane tasks, it opens up avenues for us to focus on higher-value and creative work, and remain competitive in the job market. Moreover, organizations must play an active role in this transformative journey. Investing in employee development programs and fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous learning will be crucial in navigating the automation wave. Encouraging employees to acquire new skills and adapt to emerging technologies will not only secure their own employability but also ensure the long-term success of businesses. As professionals, we must stay informed about the evolving landscape and the skills that will be in high demand. Industries such as technology, education, healthcare, and finance, among others, are expected to experience significant disruptions. By aligning our expertise with the needs of these changing industries, we can position ourselves as valuable assets, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The future of work may look different from what we have grown accustomed to, but it also presents an exciting realm of possibilities. By embracing automation, upskilling, and fostering a culture of adaptability, we can shape a future where humans and machines collaborate effectively, driving innovation and progress across industries. Let's not fear the rise of automation but rather seize the opportunity to reimagine work, unleash human potential, and build a future where technology empowers us to achieve greater heights. #futureofwork #upskilling #lifelonglearning #Worldeconomicforum #LinkedIn Link to the full article in the comment section below

In today's rapidly evolving job market, advanced degrees like MBAs and Ph.D.s, once considered gateways to secure employment, are no longer guarantees of job security. Recent data indicates that professionals with higher education are experiencing longer periods of unemployment compared to their less-educated peers. Several factors contribute to this trend: -> Remote Work and Global Talent Pool: The rise of remote work has enabled companies to source skilled labor from around the world, often at lower costs, reducing domestic opportunities for advanced-degree holders. -> Shift to Skills-Based Hiring: Employers are increasingly prioritizing specific skills over formal credentials, leading to a diminished advantage for those with advanced degrees. -> Advancements in Artificial Intelligence: AI technologies are automating tasks traditionally performed by highly educated professionals, particularly in white-collar sectors, leading to job displacement. This paradigm shift underscores the importance of continuous skill development and adaptability. Professionals must proactively update their skill sets to align with current market demands. Simultaneously, employers should recognize the value of experience and invest in reskilling initiatives to harness the full potential of their workforce. As we navigate this changing landscape, a collaborative effort between individuals and organizations is essential to redefine career pathways and ensure economic resilience. https://lnkd.in/eCrENmce