In recent years, employees have held a dominant role in recruitment decisions. However, the emergence of generative AI technology is reshaping the IT labor market landscape, according to insights from an expert at a prominent global technology research and advisory firm.
Generative AI is causing ripples in the worldwide IT talent marketplace, fueling concerns about job security due to its substantial impact on productivity in workplaces. Ola Chowning, a partner and Digital lead at Information Services Group North Europe expressed these concerns, citing several factors contributing to the mounting tension within the talent market.
Chowning pointed to the potential ramifications of generative AI, the maturation of the DevOps skills market, and the growing trend among employers to seek cost-effective digital talent from new regions such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Vietnam. These factors, she noted, are further intensifying the anxiety already prevalent in the talent market.
This heightened unease is not isolated, as sectors worldwide, including HR professionals, are growing increasingly apprehensive about their job security in the wake of the AI upsurge. A recent study by Goldman Sachs even projected that approximately 300 million full-time jobs may be at risk due to this technological shift.
Companies that can adapt swiftly to technological changes, foster a culture of continuous self-learning will witness substantial improvements.
In light of the mounting apprehensions surrounding AI and its global impact, Chowning acknowledged that 2023 has been marked by widespread concerns about an “AI apocalypse.” However, she sought to reassure that such fears may be exaggerated.
Chowning stated firmly, “We are not on the brink of an AI apocalypse.” She emphasized that companies that can adapt swiftly to technological changes, foster a culture of continuous self-learning, and empower their talent will witness substantial improvements in innovation, productivity, and perpetual transformation. For businesses and DevOps practitioners, the key is to tread cautiously but consistently in the evolving landscape.
Despite this shifting dynamic in the job market, Chowning stressed that deep technical skills and expertise will always retain their value. She advocated for organizations to maintain transparency about their corporate values and IT principles to attract and retain talent, even during uncertain times.
Chowning further called for an increased demand for workplace policies related to AI. She recommended that leaders develop a robust AI framework and environment with appropriate guidelines. Additionally, she urged IT teams to receive proper education on how to identify, access, and effectively utilize the right AI tools for their specific roles.
