Latest news with #futureOfWork
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From Tools To Teammates: How AI Agents Will Become Digital Labor
OpenAI just released its ChatGPT Agent - is this the beginning of AI agents going mainstream? The future of work just arrived. On July 17, 2025, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Agent, marking a pivotal moment in artificial intelligence evolution. This isn't just another AI chatbot. This is the beginning of digital labor. Think of having a digital colleague that can now create presentations, navigate websites, conduct deep research, and complete complex tasks on their own (in AI speak, 'autonomously'). For businesses and consumers alike, this represents a fundamental shift in how everyone will work, shop, and interact with technology. Understanding agentic AI's game-changing potential The numbers tell a compelling story: Grand View Research estimates the global AI agents market is set to explode from $5 billion in 2024 to $50 billion by 2030, a 46% compound annual growth rate. More importantly, according to new research from the Capgemini Research Institute, AI agents could generate up to $450 billion in economic value by 2028 through revenue growth and cost savings. Yet despite this massive opportunity, only 2% of organizations have deployed AI agents at scale, creating a narrow window for competitive advantage that won't remain open for long. Unlike traditional AI that responds to prompts, agentic AI possesses genuine 'agency' - the ability to set goals, make decisions, and take actions with minimal human oversight. Harvard Business Review describes these systems as having "supercharged reasoning and execution capabilities" that go far beyond simple question-answering to actually performing complex tasks. The distinction is crucial: while generative AI is more about language to language and creates content, agentic AI is about multi-step reasoning, planning and it acts. It can book your flights, process insurance claims, manage inventory, and even conduct comprehensive research across hundreds of sources. This autonomous capability transforms AI from a tool into a true digital teammate. What Exactly Is an AI Agent? Unlike traditional AI that responds to prompts, an AI agent is artificial intelligence that handles multistep tasks without requiring a human to steer it the whole time. This is now the next phase of the AI era - 'Agentic AI'. While ChatGPT answers questions, AI agents actually do things - they book flights, process invoices, debug code, and conduct research across hundreds of sources autonomously. An example of OpenAI's ChatGPT Agent in action. The key differentiator: agents can take multiple actions, connect to various applications, and work for extended periods. OpenAI's Codex agent can work for up to 30 minutes without human supervision, while Anthropic's Claude 4 can tackle coding problems for up to seven hours straight. The Seven Species of Digital Workers While there will eventually be millions of agents, let's try to organize them into the distinct types of AI agents that are now entering the workforce. The Information had a nice way to summarize the different kinds of digital labor: What they do: Handle enterprise workflows across multiple software applications Digital labor: Invoice processing, data entry, document classification, scheduling Examples: UiPath, Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier + AI What they do: Resolve customer support and employee questions through dialogue Digital labor: Customer service, IT tickets, HR tasks Examples: Salesforce Agentforce, ServiceNow NowAssist, Sierra, Decagon What they do: Retrieve, analyze, and validate information from trusted sources Digital labor: Academic research, citation sourcing, technical analysisExamples: OpenAI Deep Research, Perplexity Pro, Scite Assistant, AlphaSense What they do: Analyze data to produce graphics, charts, and reports Digital labor: Data querying, dashboard creation, business insights Examples: Power BI Copilot, Tellius, ThoughtSpot, Glean What they do: Handle complex coding tasks for software engineers Digital labor: Code completion, debugging, documentation, site reliability Examples: Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Cognition's Devin What they do: Specialized work in regulated fields like law, medicine, finance Digital labor: Contract analysis, medical triage, financial analysis Examples: Harvey (legal), Hippocratic AI (healthcare), Rogo and Hebbia (finance) What they do: Navigate websites and handle repetitive online tasks Digital labor: Form filling, online ordering, social media posting Examples: OpenAI Operator, Google Project Mariner, Anthropic Computer Use OpenAI's bold vision becomes reality OpenAI's agent rollout began with Operator in January 2025, an AI capable of using web browsers like humans - clicking buttons, filling forms, and navigating websites. Then came Deep Research in February, which analyzes hundreds of sources to generate fully-cited reports in minutes. The July launch of ChatGPT Agent unified these capabilities, creating what The Wall Street Journal calls "an agent that can make spreadsheets and PowerPoints" while handling complex multi-step workflows. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, predicts these agents will "materially change the output of companies" in 2025, estimating they can already handle "a single-digit percentage of all economically valuable tasks in the world." With 41.6% accuracy on complex reasoning benchmarks (double previous models) these agents represent a quantum leap in AI capability. Transforming experiences across consumer and business landscapes AI agents are revolutionizing both consumer experiences and business operations at unprecedented scale. For consumers, the transformation is happening at remarkable speed: recent reports show 95% of customer interactions are predicted to be handled by AI in 2025, while current deployments show AI-powered systems reducing resolution times by up to 52%and delivering 31.5% higher customer satisfaction scores compared to traditional support methods. The consumer impact extends far beyond convenience. Klarna's AI assistant reduced average customer issue resolution from 11 minutes to just 2 minutes while maintaining customer satisfaction scores equal to human agents. Virgin Money's AI assistant "Redi" has handled over 2 million customer interactions with a 94% satisfaction rate, demonstrating that consumers readily embrace AI-powered service when it delivers superior results. The retail sector shows equally impressive adoption, with 24% of consumers already comfortable with AI agents making purchases on their behalf—a figure that jumps to 32% among Gen Z shoppers, while 75% of customer inquiries can now be resolved by AI tools without human intervention. The business case for AI agents is equally compelling and backed by remarkable real-world results. Organizations implementing AI report 6-10% average revenue increases, with 62% of companies expecting full 100% or greater returns on investment. The operational improvements are staggering: companies report 83% experiencing revenue growth versus 66% without AI implementation, 76% improvement in operational efficiency, and financial institutions seeing increases in profitability through enhanced fraud detection and personalized service. Real-world success stories illustrate the transformative potential across industries. JPMorgan Chase's AI-driven "Coach" tool helps wealth advisers retrieve research 95% faster, contributing to a 20% year-over-year increase in asset management sales. The bank's AI initiatives have already saved nearly $1.5 billion through fraud prevention and operational efficiencies. Wiley achieved a 40% increase in case resolution with AI agents, while 76% of e-commerce teams credit AI with revenue growth and 92% of service teams report cost reductions. Manufacturing leaders report 40% reduction in downtime through AI-driven predictive maintenance. Employee productivity transformation is equally impressive, ranging from customer service agents answering more inquiries per hour, business professionals writing more documents per hour, and programmers coding more projects per week using AI agents. These are just early use cases, but you can already see how agentic ai will fundamentally redefine what exceptional customer experiences and business performance looks like. Why This Is Just the Beginning We're in the early innings of digital labor. Current agents still make mistakes and require human oversight, but they're evolving rapidly. The combination of cheaper reasoning models, better orchestration software, and expanding application integrations means agent capabilities are compounding quickly. The workforce of 2030 won't just include humans - it will be a hybrid ecosystem where digital agents handle routine tasks while humans focus on creativity, strategy, and relationship-building. We're not just automating work; we're creating a new category of digital colleague that augments human capability rather than simply replacing it. The age of digital labor has begun. The question isn't whether these AI agents will transform work - it's how quickly businesses and consumers will adapt to this new reality.
Wall Street Journal
22-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
AI's Biggest Threat: Young People Who Can't Think
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy caused a stir last week with a memo to his employees warning that artificial intelligence could displace them. 'We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs,' he wrote. Nothing in his memo was shocking. Technological advances as far back as the printing press have eliminated some jobs while creating many others. The real danger is that excessive reliance on AI could spawn a generation of brainless young people unequipped for the jobs of the future because they have never learned to think creatively or critically.
Geeky Gadgets
08-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
The Dark Side of AI: Are We Racing Toward a Future We Don't Want?
What if the future everyone is racing toward isn't the one we actually want? As artificial intelligence hurtles forward, promising to transform industries and redefine the workforce, the conversation often centers on its dazzling potential—efficiency, innovation, and progress. But beneath the surface lies a far more unsettling reality: the very foundation of our professional lives is shifting, and not necessarily for the better. Imagine a world where entry-level jobs vanish, career ladders collapse, and economic inequality deepens as millions are left scrambling to adapt. This isn't science fiction; it's a looming possibility that few are willing to confront openly. The AI future we're building may not be the one we're prepared to live in. Ai Grid explore the uncomfortable truths about AI's impact on work, society, and identity—realities that are too often glossed over in the race to embrace automation. From the disappearance of critical stepping-stone jobs to the psychological toll of widespread job displacement, the challenges ahead are as profound as they are complex. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities to rethink what work means and how we can shape a more equitable future. By examining the risks, the societal implications, and the potential solutions, this piece invites you to grapple with the question: Are we ready for the AI future we're creating? AI's Impact on Jobs How AI Is Transforming the Workforce AI is already transforming industries such as finance, law, consulting, and technology by automating tasks traditionally performed by humans. Entry-level positions are particularly vulnerable, with experts estimating that up to 70% of these roles could be affected. This shift could result in a 10-20% increase in unemployment as AI systems take over tasks such as: Document review: Automating the analysis of legal and financial documents. Automating the analysis of legal and financial documents. Data analysis: Using AI to process and interpret large datasets more efficiently than humans. Using AI to process and interpret large datasets more efficiently than humans. Customer service: Replacing human representatives with AI chatbots and virtual assistants. These roles, often seen as critical stepping stones for career growth, are at risk of disappearing, creating an 'experience gap' that could hinder younger workers from advancing professionally. Even physical labor jobs, once considered less susceptible to automation, are increasingly at risk. Advances in robotics are allowing machines to perform tasks in manufacturing, warehouse operations, and other traditionally human-dominated fields. This trend is shrinking job opportunities across multiple sectors, leaving fewer options for workers at all skill levels and intensifying the need for adaptability. Economic and Societal Implications The widespread adoption of AI is expected to create profound economic and societal challenges. As jobs disappear, securing sustainable employment or advancing in your career may become more difficult. The loss of entry-level roles disrupts traditional career pathways, leaving many workers without the foundational experience needed to transition into higher-level positions. On a broader scale, economic inequality could widen as individuals with AI-related skills thrive while others struggle to adapt. This disparity may exacerbate social tensions, as the psychological toll of job insecurity and financial instability grows. The potential for social unrest underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges through proactive measures. The societal impact extends beyond economics. Communities may face shifts in identity and purpose as traditional industries decline. The psychological effects of widespread job displacement, including stress and anxiety, could further strain social systems. These challenges highlight the importance of fostering resilience and adaptability at both individual and societal levels. The AI Future Nobody Wants To Talk About Watch this video on YouTube. Enhance your knowledge on AI job displacement by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Corporate Strategies: Automation as a Priority Many companies are adopting 'AI-first' strategies, prioritizing automation to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This trend is evident across various industries, with notable examples including: Amazon: Using warehouse robots to streamline operations and reduce reliance on human labor. Using warehouse robots to streamline operations and reduce reliance on human labor. Media outlets: Organizations like Business Insider employing AI tools for content generation, leading to workforce reductions. Organizations like Business Insider employing AI tools for content generation, leading to workforce reductions. Freelance platforms: Platforms such as Fiverr encouraging workers to integrate AI tools into their services to remain competitive. These corporate strategies emphasize the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements. By understanding how AI is reshaping industries, you can better position yourself to adapt and remain competitive in an increasingly automated job market. Addressing the Challenges: Potential Solutions To mitigate the challenges posed by AI, several strategies are being proposed to ensure a smoother transition for workers and society: Upskilling and Adaptation: Developing expertise in AI tools and focusing on areas where human creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking remain essential. Combining technical skills with uniquely human capabilities will be crucial for long-term success. Developing expertise in AI tools and focusing on areas where human creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking remain essential. Combining technical skills with uniquely human capabilities will be crucial for long-term success. Universal Basic Income (UBI): As automation reduces job opportunities, UBI is gaining traction as a potential safety net. This approach aims to provide financial stability while society adjusts to the new economic landscape. As automation reduces job opportunities, UBI is gaining traction as a potential safety net. This approach aims to provide financial stability while society adjusts to the new economic landscape. Policy and Regulation: Governments must prioritize discussions on AI governance, creating policies that manage the transition and ensure equitable distribution of AI's benefits. Effective regulation can help mitigate economic disruption and promote societal well-being. These solutions require collaboration between individuals, corporations, and governments to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AI. By taking proactive steps, society can better navigate the complexities of this technological transformation. Emerging Opportunities in the AI Era While AI is expected to displace many jobs, it will also create new opportunities in emerging fields. Growth is anticipated in areas such as: AI-related roles: Careers in machine learning, data science, and AI system development. Careers in machine learning, data science, and AI system development. Green technologies: Jobs in renewable energy solutions and sustainable development. Jobs in renewable energy solutions and sustainable development. Healthcare: Roles in AI-driven diagnostics, personalized medicine, and advanced medical research. However, administrative, clerical, and repetitive physical labor jobs are likely to decline. The World Economic Forum emphasizes the importance of reskilling to bridge the gap between displaced workers and the demands of the future job market. By focusing on education and skill development, you can position yourself to thrive in these emerging industries. Adapting to Rapid Change The rapid pace of AI development is compressing the timeline for societal adaptation. Automation of automation—where AI systems improve themselves—further accelerates this transformation, making traditional economic adjustments more challenging. This raises critical questions about the future of work: Will AI augment human labor or replace it entirely? For you, this means staying informed and adaptable is more important than ever. Understanding AI's trajectory and its implications can help you make strategic decisions about your career and future. By embracing lifelong learning and focusing on areas where human skills remain indispensable, you can navigate the uncertainties of the AI era with confidence. Shaping the Future with AI The fantastic impact of AI demands preparation and collaboration at every level. As a worker, prioritizing education and skill development is essential to remain competitive in an AI-driven economy. Companies must adopt ethical approaches to AI deployment, making sure that technological advancements benefit both businesses and employees. Governments, meanwhile, have a critical role in establishing regulatory frameworks and supporting societal adaptation. The AI era presents both challenges and opportunities. By taking proactive steps today, you can help shape a future where technology enhances human potential rather than replacing it. The choices made now will determine whether AI becomes a tool for empowerment or a source of disruption. Your ability to adapt and prepare will be key to thriving in this rapidly evolving landscape. Media Credit: TheAIGRID Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The AI-resilient professional: Future careers in the age of automation
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid ascent, reshaping industries and redefining professional landscapes, the conversation around career resilience has never been more urgent. In this jointly authored piece by Hoosen Essof, the Head of the Employability Unit at Regent Business School and Deepti Govind, an intern working within the same division, we explore the real-world implications of AI for today's workforce and the next. By combining strategic oversight with a ground-level perspective, this article brings together the voice of institutional leadership and the lived experience of a generation preparing to enter an AI-enhanced world. Together, we examine why a blend of human-centred skills and adaptive business education is essential not only for employability, but for long-term success in a future shaped by intelligent technology. In the face of rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries and redefining the workforce. While these changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities for professionals to adapt and thrive. Central to this adaptation is the cultivation of human-centric skills and strategic business education, which together can ensure long-term career resilience in an AI-augmented world. The threat is real, but so is the opportunity AI's influence extends across various sectors, reshaping job roles and skill requirements. For instance, the rise of AI in marketing has led to the emergence of hybrid positions that blend technical expertise with creative strategy. Similarly, in finance, AI tools assist in data analysis, but human judgment remains crucial for interpreting results and making strategic decisions. This trend underscores the importance of combining technological proficiency with human insight. By learning how AI integrates into your specific industry and leveraging it for improvement, you not only enhance the field but also strengthen your own technological skills. While AI can handle a wide range of tasks, it still requires the human touch for qualities that cannot be replicated such as empathy, creativity, ethical judgement, leadership, and the ability to genuinely listen and understand the concerns that individuals have with a certain situation. Those who can achieve the correct balance between technical literacy and human intuition will thus have a competitive advantage in the workplace. Business schools can prepare students not only for the specifics of their industries, but also for the dynamic challenges provided by AI, giving them the capabilities they need to adapt, lead, and prosper in a technology-driven society. Human-centric skills on the rise Although AI is advancing in automation of routine and technical jobs, there remains a domain where it will consistently underperform; skills that are centred around human interaction. These abilities are valued by employers and will remain essential as we progress deeper into an AI-driven future. Skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving are needed to analyse situations, identify challenges and think outside the box – something only a human can do. In situations involving decision-making, individuals can rely on a broad range of personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and moral issues. Equally important are human-centred skills such as emotional intelligence and adaptability, qualities that remain well beyond the reach of AI. Humans need to feel empathy and understand in certain situations that they are facing; only a human can understand and manage those emotions while adapting to the situation and environment they are positioned in. Being creative and coming up with original plans is something only human intuition can aid, where new ideas are formed and there is a personal touch added to ideas being created. These skills need leadership, another downfall of AI, it cannot be accountable for leading teams. Business education provides individuals with the mindset and abilities to excel in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous settings, cultivating the resilience needed to thrive in a constantly evolving professional environment. Business education as a career Now, as AI is becoming integral to business operations, traditional educational models may fall short in preparing professionals for future challenges. Schools and universities need to start becoming more aware of how AI can help students and encourage its use in the right way rather than banning it from being used during assessments. Individuals have implemented robotics for the longest time in South Africa, but that needs to evolve further now. As research shows, current courses frequently cover subjects such as digital transformation, AI ethics, and innovation management. These fields of study give students a more profound insight into the ways technology interacts with business processes, ethics, and social dynamics. Reports suggest that professionals are increasingly adding AI skills to their portfolios, with people now more than twice as likely to acquire AI skills than in 2018. This trend highlights the growing recognition of AI's importance and the need for education systems to adapt accordingly. Investing in business education, such as postgraduate diplomas, MBAs, or specialised courses, equips individuals with a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. This combination enhances employability and positions professionals to lead in sectors where AI and human expertise intersect. Contemporary business schools provide programmes that focus on interdisciplinary approaches, teamwork, and adaptability; capabilities crucial for thriving in the digital economy. Through cultivating a diverse skill set, business education equips students for various roles, from management to entrepreneurship, making sure they stay adaptable and employable regardless of changes in the job market. As AI continues to redefine how we work and live, professionals must view it not just as a disruptor, but as a collaborator. The ability to co-create with AI, using it to enhance decision-making, improve productivity, and uncover new solutions is quickly becoming a critical skill. Those who take the initiative to explore AI's potential in their roles will not only remain relevant but will likely become innovators within their fields. Institutions and employers must play an active role in supporting this transition. By laying the foundation for cultures of experimentation, continuous learning, and ethical AI integration, organisations can empower their people to thrive amid change. This will mean not just surviving the AI wave but surfing it with confidence, creativity, and purpose. Something that individuals need to consider is how they need to adapt their profession to AI and include it so that they are evolving. They feel defeated because they believe that AI can replace them, but rather openly embrace the change and grow as individuals. They can do this by attending workshops, webinars, and even enhancing their skills in areas where AI cannot replace humans. The interplay between AI and human skills is reshaping the employment landscape, creating a demand for professionals who can blend technological proficiency with human-centric competencies. Strategic business education serves as a building block for developing this unique skill set, ensuring career resilience in the face of automation. As AI continues to evolve, professionals who invest in continuous learning and adapt their skill sets accordingly will be well-positioned to lead and innovate in an increasingly automated world.
