AI in the Workplace: Human Resistance and Ethical Considerations

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has voiced his thoughts on the effects of AI on jobs and income. He believes AI will increase productivity but also remove many jobs. Altman thinks that governments and companies might need to provide a basic income for those affected by these changes. He shared these views back in 2016 and has remained consistent since then.

Altman has invested $14 million in a $60 million study on Universal Basic Income (UBI). This study aims to understand how AI will change the economy and the job market. Results from this study are expected next week. Elon Musk also shared his views on this topic during a tech conference in Paris. Musk predicts that most people may not have traditional jobs in the future. Instead, he suggests that everyone will have a high income due to AI advancements.

OpenAI is rolling out their technology in stages to manage its impact on industries. They know that each new version of their AI covers more tasks, which could lead to job displacement. The slow release helps prevent massive job losses overnight. However, it does not stop the gradual increase in unemployment in certain sectors. For example, the rise of autonomous vehicles could eventually replace many driving jobs.

A human resource software company called Lati faced backlash when it tried to integrate AI workers into its organization. Founded by Sam Altman's brother, Jack Altman, Lati decided to give AI workers employee records and let human workers see their roles. This move sparked strong online pushback, and the company abandoned the project just three days later.

The backlash highlighted a significant issue: humans are not ready to work alongside AI in every industry. Treating AI as employees can disrespect human workers and increase anxiety about job security. A Goldman Sachs report from March 2023 found that AI could replace or reduce 300 million jobs in the United States and Europe. Venture capitalist Kai-Fu Lee has predicted that 50% of human workers could be replaced by AI by 2027.

Companies need to carefully plan how they integrate AI into their workforce. If not managed well, AI can have a negative impact on morale and job security. Thoughtful integration is crucial to ensure that AI benefits both companies and their employees. As AI continues to advance, it becomes more important for businesses to consider these factors.