Many individuals are apprehensive about their future job prospects as the globe continues to embrace automation and artificial intelligence.
While it is true that some tasks are becoming automated, technology is unlikely to completely replace human workers. Instead, we are entering an era of human-machine collaboration, in which workers with superior technological abilities will be in great demand.
Recognising that automation and AI are not always about replacing human workers, but rather about augmenting existing abilities, is critical to comprehending the future of work. Machines can free up human workers to focus on more complicated and creative work that demands higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills by automating mundane and repetitive chores.
 This can result in enhanced job happiness and fulfilment for employees, as well as increased productivity and efficiency for businesses.
In the manufacturing business, for example, robots are increasingly being deployed to perform dangerous or repetitive activities that were formerly performed by human labour.
This not only makes the task safer, but it also allows employees to focus on more creative and demanding parts of the job, such as issue solving and process development. AI is being utilized in the healthcare industry to help doctors and nurses make diagnosis and build treatment plans, helping them to make more accurate and informed judgments.
The future of work also involves the development of new employment roles that mix technical skills with human competence. Jobs in data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, for example, will all require human workers even as automation and AI improve.
Employees that can combine technical skills with soft skills like communication, cooperation, and emotional intelligence will be in great demand.
As we move forward, it is critical to recognize that the future of work is not about selecting between humans and technology, but rather about figuring out how to operate effectively together. We can build a more productive, efficient, and pleasant work environment for everyone by embracing automation and AI as tools to augment human strengths.
The goal is to remain adaptive and open to learning new abilities to survive in a quickly changing world.
The future focus within this space will be on recruiting “nano employeesâ€, i.e., employers will only start recruiting people in fractions of a person. A challenge to all of us is #1MoreSkill. Learn one new skill every year to remain relevant.
Success is not an event – it is a journey, how best to invest by developing your skills in AI.
*Stephanus Vries is the Human Capital Manager at  Old Mutual Namibia
