Much has been said about the potential impact of AI, robots and automation on jobs and the future of work. A common view is that many jobs are at risk of being taken over by machines, potentially leading to large-scale job losses. Our research shows that while there are risks, there are at least as many opportunities to increase the number and quality of jobs. No doubt these technologies will change the nature of work as we know it. This change needs a proper people strategy led by people professionals.
This factsheet describes some of the technologies that are having an impact on the world of work. It looks at the ethical implications of using these technologies in the workplace and considers the role of people professionals in shaping the future of work for humans.
Explore our viewpoint on automation, AI and technology in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.
On this page
- What are artificial intelligence, robots and automation?
- How can these technologies improve performance?
- Can these technologies also reduce performance?
- How are these technologies changing work?
- Ethical considerations
- The people profession’s role in managing technology-driven change
- How do these technologies impact the people profession?
- Useful contacts and further reading
This factsheet was last updated by Hayfa Mohdzaini: Senior Research Adviser, CIPD
Hayfa is the CIPD's Senior Research Adviser in Data, Technology and AI. She has been writing for the HR community since 2012 and is interested in how the people profession can contribute to good work through technology.
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