AI isn’t coming for your job, but it’s definitely going to be your new coworker.
Big Four consulting giant Deloitte is pioneering a new chapter in human-AI collaboration with the rollout of “PairD,” an AI-powered chatbot, to 75,000 employees across Europe and the Middle East. This innovative move underscores the growing trend of AI augmenting, rather than replacing, human skills within the professional landscape.
PairD takes on tedious tasks, like crafting presentations, emails, and even code, freeing up human talent for higher-level work. However, Deloitte remains cautious, emphasizing training and awareness about potential errors. Costi Perricos, leader of Deloitte’s analytics and cognitive practice, notes, “A key focus for employers should be on using these tools safely and correctly to unlock their true value.”
Deloitte joins fellow giants like PwC and Accenture in embracing generative AI for increased efficiency. PwC’s $1 billion investment and Accenture’s 500+ client conversations using AI are testaments to this rising tide.
While some anticipate AI-driven workforce consolidation, experts like Paul Daugherty, Accenture’s CTO, predict a shift towards jobs requiring “generative AI acuity” balanced with crucial soft skills. Matt Candy, IBM’s global managing partner in generative AI, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the growing importance of “questioning, creativity, and innovation” as AI frees up space for more nuanced human thought.
LinkedIn chief economist Karin Kimbrough reinforces this notion, emphasizing the enduring value of “people skills, human skills, perceptiveness, and ethical tradeoffs” in the age of AI. She views 2024 as a year where “people skills and [digital] skills go hand in hand.”
Ultimately, AI’s integration is not about human obsolescence, but rather evolution. As Andreas Ekström, a writer and speaker, aptly puts it, “The simple fact that robots and AI haven’t truly overtaken human ingenuity means that, for the foreseeable future, humans don’t need to worry about nonhumans putting them out of work.” Instead, it’s about embracing continuous learning and upskilling to remain relevant in a dynamic environment where tech fluency becomes increasingly crucial. As Kimbrough wisely advises, “If skills are changing this rapidly, it means we have to invest in ourselves and in learning.”
PairD’s arrival marks a crucial step in the ongoing human-AI dance, proving that collaboration, not competition, is the key to unlocking the full potential of both worlds.
