The Rise of the Augmented Workforce: How AI Is Changing the Way We Work

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the typical workday in countless industries. Could it be as impactful as robotics and the internet have been? More importantly, how is it going to change the way people work?

The Augmented Workforce Is on Its Way

AI is automating, accelerating, and enhancing tasks, which is changing the way people work. Since this versatile technology can augment everything from physical duties to decision-making processes, there’s virtually no industry where it doesn’t have some use. Business leaders have caught on to that fact, which is why more are leveraging it.

AI’s integration into various workplace environments is picking up. In a few years, most businesses will likely use it. After all, experts predict its market size will reach $826.7 billion by 2030, up from $184 billion in 2024, achieving an uncommonly high compound annual growth rate of 28.46%.

You may assume augmenting the workforce with AI is a tall order, but it’s already happening. In fact, over half of businesses were using this tech for at least one purpose in 2021. As it advances, more use cases will probably pop up, leading to a higher adoption rate. So far, it’s demonstrated it can improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and lower costs.

A machine learning (ML) model can work around the clock — it doesn’t need breaks, sick days, or time off — and simultaneously help dozens of employees. More importantly, it’s autonomous, so it doesn’t need to be babysat. It can reduce human error and enhance efficiency by handling a workplace’s repetitive daily duties.

Examples of an AI Augmented Workforce

AI can power everything from physical robots to facial recognition tech, so there are countless ways it can augment the workforce in various industries.

Sourcing and Hiring

AI can analyze thousands of resumes or conduct dozens of interviews simultaneously. Human resources teams could even use it to find specific people. For example, those looking to qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit — which offers up to $9,600 per certified employee — could use their ML model to seek out veterans or ex-felons.

Customer Service

Unlike a standard rule-based conversation engine, an AI-powered customer service chatbot can adapt to any question, mood, or scenario. Support departments can use it to collect information while they handle other cases, which streamlines the process — and helps keep customers happy while they wait on hold.

Invoice Management

AI-driven robot process automation can handle complex and meticulous tasks. Administrative staff can use it to review bills for accuracy, pay vendors, generate invoices in real-time, and keep payment records, freeing them up for more complicated responsibilities.

Quality Control

Computer vision technology is a type of AI that lets computers see and interpret their surroundings. Manufacturers can use it in quality control to automatically check assembly and production line products for defects in real-time. The software can immediately flag issues like dents or missing parts.

The Implications of AI Augmentation

Transitioning from the 9-to-5 standard left over from the industrialization age is going to be a massive shift. Most employees must upskill or reskill to keep up with increasingly capable AI systems. Some experts claim those working in lower-wage professions are 14 times more likely to need to change jobs than those in higher-wage positions.

Fortunately, most people are willing to upskill or reskill. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 68% of working adults are willing to retrain under any circumstances, and another 28% are willing to retrain if required.

The benefits of doing so are already visible in many jobs. Research shows college graduates with AI skills received more job interviews and were offered higher pay than those without such skills. Early adopters could gain competitive advantages.

However, retraining may be complicated. While an estimated 42% of business tasks will be automated by 2027 — and about 60% of workers will need to upskill or reskill before then — only 50% have enough opportunities to do so. The implications of insufficient training could have a massive ripple effect on the job market.

Of course, this trend will likely only continue if people don’t feel threatened by AI augmenting the workforce. Much like with robots taking over jobs, people may begin to feel resentful. Since most businesses will use this tech to supplement work, they need employee buy-in.