The higher-ups are practically doing cartwheels about Gen Z! That’s right, employers are excited about all the interesting avenues that ChatGPT can tap into. Employers are envisioning a future where Gen Z isn’t just part of the team. That doesn’t sound right, does it? Well, it’s a very real issue and ChatGPT has a lot to do with this uprising.
Generative AI has become a treasure trove for businesses looking to automate repetitive processes like creating spreadsheets and generic authoring to become more “efficient.” CEOs and the workplace-industrial complex are fascinated by the technology, which has prompted numerous businesses to experiment with AI (with varying degrees of success). The administrative class and CEOs are all over AI, but there hasn’t been as much thought given to the actual people this new technology will impact.
A recent survey conducted by ZipRecruiter revealed that 76% of Gen Zers are worried about ChatGPT taking their jobs. As AI enters this market, most entry-level positions are thought of as launching pads for Gen Z careers. AI technology targets “junior-level jobs,” putting the lower-level launchpad in danger.
While L&D (learning and development) departments are contributing to the 83% of firms who wish to create a more people-centric culture, it may not be enough. Considering that, according to Insider, 100% of firms are looking into using AI to carry out low-level jobs.
Gen Z faces a great deal of risk when many of these so-called junior tasks—where on-the-job training occurs—are automated. Although Gen Z may be more accustomed to using ChatGPT and other machine-learning tools, AI poses a real threat to Gen Z workers in the workforce.
While AI is doing some cool stuff, there’s a flip side that’s got some potential bumps in the career road for you. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Automation anxiety
Nintex discovered in a September 2019 research regarding a poll of 500 current and 500 future Gen Z employees that the majority of Gen Z employees have faith in AI and automation. 88% of poll participants claimed that automation and artificial intelligence may simplify their work.
According to Simpson, Gen Z workers may find a lack of automation annoying in the workplace, particularly since they are accustomed to the convenience of digital assistants and automated systems in their personal lives. According to him, businesses haven’t kept up with the AI devices that Gen Z consumers use at home.
However, Gen Z workers dread automation and artificial intelligence as much as they believe these technologies will benefit them in the workplace. The Nintex report states that 57% of respondents were concerned about how automation and artificial intelligence would impact their ability to keep a job. “A lot of times you may be a Gen Z employee that automation could replace what you’re doing as a job function, and that becomes a risk,” Simpson stated.
Given the above information, one of the primary concerns for Gen Z is the fear of job automation. AI technologies, equipped with machine learning algorithms, are automating routine tasks across various sectors. This automation wave threatens entry-level positions that often serve as stepping stones for young professionals. Gen Z may find themselves competing with machines for jobs that traditionally provide valuable work experience.
Algorithm bias and fair hiring
AI-powered hiring tools, designed to streamline recruitment processes, may inadvertently perpetuate bias. These algorithms, trained on historical data, can inherit and even exacerbate existing biases present in the data. This bias poses a challenge for Gen Z candidates who may face discrimination based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, impacting their career prospects.
Minimizing dependence on conventional college degrees has the potential to benefit Generation Z
The rapid evolution of AI is reshaping the skills demanded by the job market. Gen Z, entering the workforce with traditional education, may find themselves at a disadvantage if their skill set doesn’t align with the current technological landscape. Adaptability and continuous learning become crucial for Gen Z to stay competitive and relevant in a job market increasingly dominated by AI-driven technologies.
Regardless of their other qualifications, less than 10% of IBM’s U.S.-based positions were available to candidates without a degree a little over ten years ago. The corporation started the SkillsFirst project, according to the Harvard Business Review, to broaden its unduly restrictive talent funnel.
IBM redesigned its employment procedures in order to develop a pipeline of competent non-degree holders and to provide on-ramps for individuals who had previously been passed up.
According to a survey titled “Dismissed by Degrees,” almost 60% of companies turned away perfectly competent applicants just because they lacked a degree. That is beginning to change, but will it be sufficient?
Advocacy for ethical AI
These days, artificial intelligence permeates every aspect of human existence. AI technology is developing quickly and changing sectors. But immense power also entails great responsibility. To prevent unforeseen outcomes, it is imperative to make sure AI is created and applied ethically and transparently. It gets harder to uphold strong ethical standards in the face of such rapid advancements in AI technology, which emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring and adaptability in this dynamic industry.
Gen Z, your voice matters. Advocate for ethical AI practices. Supporting organisations and policies that prioritise fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI development can contribute to a more inclusive and responsible technological future.
In the AI era, Gen Z is navigating uncharted waters. But remember, every challenge is a chance to level up. Balancing the tech perks with human needs is the sweet spot. So, gear up, tech groundbreakers – the future is yours to shape!
(Tashia Bernardus)