Robots at work will give rise to ‘super jobs’

New tech won’t just augment tasks – they will also broaden the scope of one’s work

Robots at work will give rise to ‘super jobs’

From traditional jobs to ‘super jobs’, work in the digital age will transform into machine-powered, data-driven roles, according to the 2019 Global Human Capital Trends report from Deloitte.

Analysts predict new technologies won’t just augment routine tasks – they will also broaden the scope of one’s work and redefine roles.

Australia is ahead of the game, both in terms of adopting emerging tech and preparing its workers. A staggering 95% of businesses in the country surveyed by Deloitte are gearing up for an increased reliance on artificial intelligence, cognitive tech, automation and robotics in the next three years.

  • 52% are using automation extensively or across multiple functions
  • 50% are exploring the use of AI
  • 35% are already deploying AI for certain functions
  • 64% are planning to increase their use of robotics in the next three years
  • 74% are hiring talent equipped with digital skills

“Even though the workplace is being transformed by AI, robotics, and automation faster than many people expected, our research found that organisations are adapting along with the change,” said David Brown, Deloitte Human Capital lead partner.

“The concept of a job is fundamentally changing. Paradoxically, to be able to take full advantage of technology, organisations must redesign jobs to focus on finding the human dimension of work,” he said.

Examples of ‘super-jobs’

Jobs of the future will focus less on routine, thanks to the advent of machines that will handle repetitive tasks.

“This will create new roles that we call ‘super jobs’: jobs that combine parts of different traditional jobs into integrated roles that leverage the significant productivity and efficiency gains that can arise when people work with technology,” Brown explained.

A controller working for a mining operations centre in Perth and “remotely managing the logistics for a fleet of autonomous mining trucks in the Pilbara has a super job,” analysts from Deloitte said.

“Or a doctor in Melbourne operating via telemedicine on a patient in Bendigo – both are enhancing human skills with technology.”

Super jobs, Brown said, require problem-solving, communication, interpretation, and design skills, merging work and skill sets across multiple business domains and opening up “opportunities for mobility, advancement and the rapid adoption of new skills desperately needed today.”

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