Emerging tech could reshape future of work with human-machine partnerships: Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies recently launched the ‘Future of Work’ report in partnership with the independent futures research group, Institute for the Future (IFTF), to explore how emerging technologies will reshape the work environment over the next decade with the rise of human-machine partnerships.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR) and Internet of Things (IoT) continue to underpin the wave of continuous innovation and disruption of traditional business models. These technological advancements are undeniable forces that will impact the future of work, which will promote a more inclusive and equitable work environment in 2030. The Future of Jobs Report 2018 by the World Economic Forum found that in 2018, an average of 71% of total task hours were performed by humans, compared to 29% by machines. By 2022, WEF estimates that this average is expected to have shifted to 58% task hours performed by humans and 42% by machines.

The Future of Work report by Dell Technologies, in partnership with IFTF, shares insights around how collaborative AI, multimodal interfaces, extended reality (XR), and secure distributed ledgers will intersect with evolving social and economic forces to shape how we prepare for, find and work in 2030. It also highlights the three shifts that could help shape a more inclusive and rewarding work environment over the next decade:

• Shift 1: Inclusive Talent - Human and machine partnerships will create more equitable workplaces by evaluating candidates based on their capabilities, rather than gender, age or class. 86% Indian business leaders expect using new technologies to create equal opportunities by removing human bias in decision-making (Global: 67%)
  • Shift 2: Empowered Workers – With a new immersive technology like XR, collaboration among employees will empower workers more than ever before. 91% Indian business leaders plan to use emerging technologies to improve workforce productivity (Global: 86%)
    • Shift 3: AI Fluency – Human Capabilities will not be replaced by AI, it will rather complement and augment human capabilities. A deep understanding of AI and human and machine systems will unlock human potential and set workers apart. It will allow workers to use their skills to manage workflows and accomplish tasks. After all 74% of Indian business leaders would welcome people partnering with machines/robots. (Global: 70%)

“Emerging technologies today are not only creating new possibilities for people to connect and connect more seamlessly, they are also enabling new ways to collaborate in the workplace. As we prepare for the future workforce, organizations will need to realize the potential new technologies can bring into the workplace while also preparing their current workforce with skills they need to succeed.” said Alok Ohrie, President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies, India.

“The next decade brings with it an opportunity to apply emerging technologies to shape the future such that more people can engage in meaningful, creative and sustaining work. Strengthening human-machine partnerships will bolster opportunities for economic empowerment as well as decent work for all. After all, technological advancement is one undeniable force that will shape the future of work, impacting various spheres of our lives.” he added.

According to IFTF, organizations will need to overcome three key dilemmas in the coming decade, including combating algorithmic bias in hiring; upskilling workers who fall behind and protecting workers’ rights, as work arrangements become more dynamic. In fact, 86% Indian business leaders, expect to use new technologies to create equal opportunities by removing human bias in decision-making and 87% Indian business leaders believe all employees will need to become experts in technology by 2030.Navigating the dilemmas outlined in the report will require a thoughtful, imaginative and forward-looking approach to strengthen human-machine partnerships and re-architect the world of work.

This report is a part of a three-part research series by Dell Technologies, in partnership with IFTF, which elaborates on how new-age technologies will impact our economy, work and lives by 2030.