WORK THE FUTURE
/ / / / / / / / What does good look like?
The rise of generative AI and artificial intelligence represents the most significant technological shift since the advent of the web. It’s a new general purpose technology.
However, unlike previous revolutions that primarily impacted blue-collar jobs, AI is now disrupting the knowledge economy, affecting the livelihoods of middle-class professionals.
At Obsolete, we recognise the immense potential of AI to transform industries and drive innovation. However, we are deeply concerned about the consequences of uninformed adoption, particularly when the technology is controlled by a small group of companies and individuals.
Everything in balance / / / / / / / /
As businesses rush to implement AI in pursuit of efficiency and cost savings, they risk overlooking the long-term implications for their workforce and society at large. Mass layoffs, while not inevitable, are a real possibility as companies automate tasks and processes previously performed by humans.
Even if job losses are gradual, occurring through natural attrition and a reduction in entry-level positions, the overall effect on the workforce can be devastating. As employees find themselves replaced by algorithms and machines, they may experience a sense of isolation and disconnection from their work and colleagues.
Moreover, the pressure to be “10x more efficient” can lead to increased stress and burnout, as humans struggle to keep pace with the relentless demands of AI-powered systems. The promise of higher profits and productivity may come at the cost of employee well-being and job satisfaction.
/ / / / / / / / The condition is human
At Obsolete, we believe that the success of AI adoption depends on putting humans first. While the technology itself is impressive, it is still in its early stages, and we must approach its implementation with care and foresight.
As the initial excitement around AI fades, companies may find themselves grappling with the unintended consequences of their decisions. Empty desks and dwindling human interaction can erode corporate culture, innovation, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
To mitigate these risks, we advocate for a balanced, human-centric approach to AI adoption. This means:
- Prioritising the augmentation of human capabilities, rather than replacement
- Investing in employee training and upskilling to prepare the workforce for new roles and responsibilities
- Designing AI systems that promote collaboration and creativity, rather than isolation and repetition
- Engaging in ongoing dialogue with employees, stakeholders, and society to ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few
Working the Future / / / / / / / /
At Obsolete, we believe that navigating the age of AI successfully requires more than just technological innovation. It requires a fundamental shift in how we think about work, learning, and collaboration.
As AI transforms industries and reshapes job roles, we must all learn to “Work the Future” – to adapt, upskill, and continually reinvent ourselves in the face of change. This means:
- Embracing lifelong learning and continuous skill development
- Cultivating a growth mindset and a willingness to experiment and iterate
- Building resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty and disruption
- Seeking out opportunities to collaborate and co-create with both humans and machines
We believe that by fostering these capabilities and mindsets, we can not only survive but thrive in the age of AI. We can harness the power of technology to augment and enhance our human potential, rather than being replaced by it.
/ / / / / / / / Know thyself
However, learning to “Work the Future” is not a solitary endeavor. It requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among businesses, policymakers, educators, and individuals.
We are committed to facilitating these conversations and driving meaningful action. Through our research, events, and partnerships, we aim to:
- Raise awareness about the impact of AI on work and society
- Share best practices and case studies of successful human-centric AI adoption
- Identify and address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI
- Foster cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize human well-being and potential
We believe that by coming together to discuss the future of work, we can collectively shape a future that works for everyone. We invite you to join us in this critical conversation and to explore how we can all learn to “Work the Future” in the age of AI.
Together, we can navigate this transformative time with wisdom, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to human potential. Let us not simply discuss the future of work, but actively work to create a future that empowers and uplifts us all.
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