Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is a hot topic in the workforce, with many concerns about job displacement. While much of the focus has been on how AI affects junior employees, it’s important to consider the impact on senior-level workers as well. According to a report from Preply, 30% of senior employees worry about being fired due to lacking AI skills.
Steve Preston, president and CEO at Goodwill Industries International, points out that while some senior workers may choose to retire or switch careers if they feel they can’t keep up with AI, many companies value the experience and knowledge that these employees bring to the table. In fact, older workers may have an advantage when it comes to leveraging AI for insights and applying judgment to the results.
Jeetu Patel of Cisco adds that AI is currently focused on replacing tasks rather than entire jobs. For senior-level workers, the next few years will be more about augmentation and enhancement of skills in an AI-driven workplace. As technology advances, there is a predicted surge in the demand for soft skills, which are essential for effective human interaction within organizations.
Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, suggests that senior management should consider implementing reverse mentoring, where less experienced employees provide insights on AI to senior leaders. This two-way mentorship approach can help organizations innovate faster and adapt to changing technologies.
Despite the potential for AI to automate a significant portion of work hours in the future, it’s crucial not to overlook the value that older workers bring to the table. Instead of assuming that older workers will struggle to adapt to AI, companies should focus on leveraging AI to enhance the jobs of the future for all employees.
Some organizations are already investing in structured AI training programs for their workforce, recognizing the importance of upskilling and reskilling employees to meet the demands of an AI-driven workplace. By embracing the value of AI and providing opportunities for continuous learning, companies can ensure that both senior and junior employees thrive in the evolving digital landscape.