The Rise of Technology: Could Your
Job Security Potentially Be at Risk?
Is my job safe?
That’s the question that more and more people are asking themselves these days with the increasing number of technological advancements. Everything from machine learning to AI and robotics, the world of technology is taking the world by storm. However, could this surge of technology and its many perks be the very thing that puts your job security at risk?
Absolutely!
Job security is something that has given many people peace of mind knowing that their jobs are safe. But now, more than ever, these technological advancements are giving workers a run for their money (literally).
At one point, it was thought that technology only impacted factory workers, but that was a very poor assumption. The world of technology is impacting our entire society as a whole, in every facet. There are even corporate and white-collar jobs being impacted.
So how do you know if your job is at risk for technology takeover? Well, let’s look at some statistics and future projections.
Job Security: Statistics and Future Projections to Consider
Job Loss
There was a point in time between 2000 and 2010 where the US job market plummeted, losing over 5million jobs. Many like to say this major loss in jobs was solely due to China increasing their manufacturing operations. However, Ball State University conducted research on the matter and found a different explanation.
According to Ball Sate’s study, 85% of job loss from 2000 to 2010 was due to advancements in technology and automation. The key takeaway from that study is that the manufacturing industry became more productive and efficient with fewer workers, and was able to get the same amount of work done.
These technological advancements continue to be on an upward trajectory with no signs of slowing down, especially in manufacturing. Sites like www.bdtronic.com have been the technological solution for many job sectors across multiple industries, helping improve productivity and efficiency for many companies.
Future Projections
Today, Oxford Economics reports that robots will replace 20 million jobs by the year 2030. This projection is going to put the most pressure on unskilled, low-paying jobs first, making them the highest at risk. But, it’s not just the lower-paying jobs at risk. The skilled worker positions are at risk too, it just depends on the job sector.
Now, to put your mind a little at ease, the advancements in technology might be eliminating certain positions but that doesn’t mean that it’s completely closing all doors. With automation, robotics, and new software development, it’s opening doors to new positions (for humans).
To have a better idea of if your job is on the chopping block? Well, let’s look at positions that are currently being impacted by technological advancements and the jobs that will soon be at risk.
Jobs Currently Impacted by Technology
Factory Workers. In many factories, you’re more than likely going to see robots on the assembly line floor. These workers have been impacted the hardest.
Receptionists. It’s not too often that you will call a company and speak to an actual person before enduring those annoying automated voice systems. “Press 1 for billing,” “Press 2 to speak to a representative.” You typically have to endure this with big companies. Smaller “mom and pops” businesses or family-run businesses tend to handle customer inquiries directly.
Bank Tellers. Bank teller services have quickly been replaced by ATM machines. The next time you go to your bank, walk inside to see how many tellers are behind the desk… you won’t find too many simply because atm machines do almost everything bank tellers do. Plus, with atm’s customers don’t have to get out of their car!
Warehouse Workers. Warehouse workers are very similar to factory workers in the aspect that it’s not a rare event to see robots working on the production floor stacking, sorting, and packing inventory for shipment. Of course, there are still people on the floor but robots cut back on human error.
Cashiers. How many times have you gone to the grocery store and hopped on a self-checkout register because the grocery line was too long? You’ve probably done it quite a few times but just imagine how grocery shopping could be impacted if all cashiers were eliminated and it was left up to shoppers to check themselves out? The way technology is going, it’s a real possibility.
Jobs That Will Be Impacted by Technology
The jobs listed above have been greatly impacted by technology but that doesn’t mean that other job sectors are safe. These jobs have the potential to be impacted by technology in the future :
- Journalists
- Taxi/rideshare drivers
- Security guards
- Engineers
The thing to keep in mind when thinking about technology and if your job will be impacted is to remember that the jobs at most risk are jobs that require repetitive tasks, information processing, and physical labor. Jobs that require interpersonal skills and an emotional or sensitive touch are safe for now.
Who knows what the future will bring in the world of technology. All you can do is prepare to adapt, whether your job is currently being impacted, will be impacted, or is safe. But you can rest assured in knowing that it will take several decades, or even longer, to completely replace the need for humans in the workforce.