The debates in recent years about remote work and AI have been overtaken by reality. Maybe it always happens that way when major change waves come; we talk and talk and eventually realize we are in the midst of it. We are indeed in the midst of AI; perhaps the end of the beginning.
I was retiring as CHRO at a large company as AI was emerging, but I have maintained a foot in the workplace via coaching, consulting and board work. Here is what I see.
AI: New Tools, Curation and Creation
Just as PC’s replaced IBM Selectric Typewriters and many other office processes we did not anticipate back in the 1990’s, AI will soon be doing grunt work for us in ways we cannot imagine. Managing emails, creating spreadsheets and slide decks and myriad other dreary tasks. The good news is that AI needs a boss.
Curating and managing the activities of agentic AI tools will be everyone’s new additional responsibility. Refusing to learn how to do this is the equivalent of refusing to learn to use a PC in 1993: unrealistic and a good way to be retired early. I watched my dad begin using an early General Motors issued laptop at home in the late 1980’s; if he did it, so can all of us.
Return of Job Design and Ergonomics
Watch for a return to a disciplined approach to job design in the aftermath of AI disruption. The last 20 or so years have seen a very informal approach to developing tasks of an actual job is in most companies. Jobs evolve and outside of titles and a broad scope of responsibilities and duties, jobs are a mish mash of meetings, emails and waiting/time wasting. The authors of the book Fixing Work, David Henkin and Thomas Bertels, argue that well designed jobs have purpose, entirety (end to end work), variety and autonomy. Those of us that have overseen corporate work for many years know that we have a long way to go in making those standards a reality: we have an epidemic of job fragments and questionable outcomes and accountability. There are even entire departments with questionable purposes and outcomes. HR departments have a great opportunity to bring scrutiny to long languishing job activities as they get disrupted by AI.
A tsunami of ergonomic issues is percolating due to the work from home years; slouching, couching, and even meetings in bed will have given us new forms of back and wrist problems we cannot yet imagine. Hmmmm: maybe I’ll open an ergonomics consulting business. Good job design will include ergonomics (including for those with disabilities) and even considerations for mental health in the future, as the human need for live interaction is better understood.
Covid Era Norms Are Over
The 6 year long debate about remote work is over. Some are portraying this as a “shift in power” back to employers, but I would go a bit deeper and say that rapid change in what work is, requires you to show up and deal with it in person, avoiding the risk of not being in the conversation. Rapid collaboration is moving ahead of personal convenience as a factor in the way work is done. Just reflect on the term “remote work”: synonyms include faraway, distant, outlying; indeed, remote. You ain’t there, things are happening and there are consequences, right or wrong.
Exceptions? Sure. We already were making exceptions for critical skills and valued talent before the pandemic. That can and should continue. Otherwise, expect that allowing remote work as a general policy for teams that collaborate will decline.
White Collar/Blue Collar Flip
If you follow the annual surveys you know that employee engagement levels across industries is hovering at its lowest in many years. Aforementioned issues like the demand for remote work and its negative affects on communication, accountability and development are making office work miserable to manage, let alone exist in. Leading a cohesive team has become complex and more difficult, and no one is predicting that this will change anytime soon. Meanwhile the shortage of people filling skilled trades (Plumbers, Welders, Electricians, HVAC etc) jobs has turned them into 6 figure roles without the traditional misery of the office: no direct supervisor hanging over your head, fewer emails, no virtual meetings and no break room microwaves used to heat up fish at lunchtime.
I predict that independent minded professionals may start to look more seriously at the so called “trades” as attractive, active, honorable careers in which the rewards are intrinsic and results can be seen immediately. Further, they are jobs that keep you physically active, mentally sharp via problem solving and out of an office/cage/prison cell. Smart universities in the US are looking to cater to those considering this path, designing shorter duration degrees with a blend of technical and broad based education to support future technical workers.
The future will see a flip in the traditional view of white collar and blue collar work, as offices are increasingly seen as the low level Guantanamo Bay style holding facilities that they are, and skilled technical work becomes the more respectable and dignified way to live and work.
Credentialing Upended
At least 10 years ago many companies began reconsidering the roles for which they required college degrees. I remember having a disagreement with one of my HR Directors many years ago who was rejecting a certain outstanding HR Manager from another division who did not have a 4 year degree. I had direct knowledge of the person’s outstanding performance but could not convince my colleague to reconsider. We have come a long way in this regard with many organizations overhauling their degree requirements.
Universities are adapting to the new reality and making sure their curriculums are updated. The availability of education, however, is now more prevalent in many formats, so we must expect those without degrees will be far more informed than those in the past. Companies interested in finding the best talent beyond pedigree will learn new ways to evaluate those without traditional credentials. Conversely, people will need to maintain a “portfolio of accomplishments” to speak about in interviews, to supplement their possession or lack of – a college degree.
Gigs, Freelancing and Side Hustles
I visited the offices of Upwork, a freelancers online community , 10 years ago, walking into a lobby with a friendly receptionist on a TV Screen, who was working from Montana. That little demo of what was possible back then has stayed with me. That “gig” is one of many that is now possible with modern technology.
I have been on the journey of writing a book for the last couple of years and along the way I have worked with gig editors, gig op ed coaches and gig PR professionals, all outstanding in what they do. Some estimate that up to 70 million Americans are involved in some form of freelance work, or 36% of the workforce. This will only grow and may be the ultimate remedy for the disruption that many see coming from AI. Smart professionals will have a back up freelance plan in their back pocket just in case the robots take over in the office. And be honest: will you really miss that low security penitentiary? I bet not…
Opportunity Abounds
Those embracing a growth mindset and an adaptable outlook are going to do just fine in this reality. History and human nature tell us that there will be lots of tough times ahead for those not willing or able to seek out new learning and capabilities. Start thinking now about back up plans, contingency plans and the new skills you will need in the future. You’ll be an AI Boss and life will be good. Start that journey now.
