Stop fooling your employees! Tech giants tell you: AI will change the true face of the workplace

Today, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, a workplace revolution sweeping the world is quietly unfolding. In a recent interview with CNBC, Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of global technology services giant WWT, issued a shocking piece of advice to business leaders: In the wave of AI, do not deceive employees.

Kavanaugh bluntly pointed out that employees are not fools and understand that AI will have a huge impact on the way work is done. He emphasized that business leaders cannot turn a blind eye to reality, let alone tell employees that it is okay and nothing will change. Although there are no ready-made guidelines for dealing with the impact of disruptive technologies such as AI, it is the CEO's job to explain the situation to employees as transparently and honestly as possible.

Picture source note: The picture is generated by AI, and the picture is authorized by the service provider Midjourney

As a technology tycoon with a net worth of $7 billion, Kavanaugh’s attitude towards AI is both pragmatic and optimistic. He admitted that although we cannot fully predict the impact of AI, everyone should learn AI and related technologies and not be afraid of it. He warned that trying to ignore or extinguish the AI ​​flame would be a huge mistake. Instead, it’s smart to embrace AI, learn its applications, and be realistic about the future.

Kavanaugh's sentiments were echoed by other industry leaders. Clara Sheehy, head of AI at Salesforce, also said that although some jobs may disappear due to AI, new technologies will also create new job opportunities, just like in the Internet era. She believes that AI will bring positive changes to the workplace, but it also means that the job description of every position needs to be redefined.

However, not all companies are actively promoting the positive aspects of AI. Klarna, a Swedish financial technology company, publicly stated that they are using AI technology to significantly reduce the number of employees. They plan to reduce the number of employees from 5,000 to 2,000 next year to increase the salaries of remaining employees.

Research shows that about two-thirds of jobs in the United States and Europe are at risk of AI automation to some extent, and generative AI may even replace up to a quarter of current jobs. These data undoubtedly bring great uncertainty and anxiety to the workplace.

In the face of this unprecedented change in the workplace, Kavanaugh’s advice is undoubtedly of great significance. He called on business leaders to face the challenges brought by AI honestly and transparently, while also encouraging employees to actively learn and adapt to new technologies. In his view, although some positions may be affected, overall AI will be a booster of jobs.