January 24, 2020
AI to do two-thirds of managers’ routine work by 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies such as virtual personal assistants and chatbots will replace 69 percent of managers’ workload by 2024, Gartner, Inc. has predicted. As well as taking over routine tasks, AI will also make work more accessible for employees with disabilities, a new report from the research and advisory company claims (registration required).
“The role of manager will see a complete overhaul in the next four years,” said Helen Poitevin, research vice-president at Gartner. “Currently, managers often need to spend time filling in forms, updating information and approving workflows. By using AI to automate these tasks, they can spend less time managing transactions and can invest more time in learning, performance management and goal setting.”
AI to foster workplace diversity
With nearly 75 percent of recruitment chiefs reporting that talent shortages will have a major effect on their organisations, Gartner says organisations need to consider people with disabilities, who form an untapped talent pool. It estimates that organisations employing people with disabilities have 89 percent higher retention rates, a 72 percent increase in employee productivity and a 29 percent increase in profitability.
Today, AI and other emerging technologies are making work more accessible for employees with disabilities, the report says. By 2023, it expects the number of people with disabilities in employment will triple, due to AI and emerging technologies reducing barriers to access.
“Some organisations are successfully using AI to make work accessible for those with special needs,” said Ms Poitevin. “Restaurants are piloting AI robotics technology that enables paralysed employees to control robotic waiters remotely. With technologies like braille readers and virtual reality, organisations are more open to opportunities to employ a diverse workforce.”
By 2022, Gartner predicts that organisations that do not employ people with disabilities will fall behind their competitors.
