The Outsourcing Week in Review (Future of Work): May 19, 2023

Welcome to Inside Outsourcing: The Outsourcing Week in Review

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Robots and AI are shaping the future of work, and it’s happening right now! Fortunately, we are here to recap the latest AI happenings this week. Welcome to another edition of Inside Outsourcing: Future of Work!

Major artificial intelligence (AI) fimrs are joining forces with the United States government for a large-scale hacking event at the DEF CON 2023. Thousands of hackers will participate in the event to address algorithmic bias, data breaches, and other issues in AI chatbots and language models. Companies like Google, OpenAI, Nvidia, and startups including Anthropic, Hugging Face, and Stability AI will provide their models for testing, while Scale AI will develop the testing platform. The event aligns with the White House’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, focusing on transparency, user data control, and safe AI use. Rumman Chowdhury, co-founder of AI accountability nonprofit Humane Intelligence and the event’s coordinator, said the “hackathon” is a direct pipeline to give company feedback.

Speaking of AI giants, this year’s Google I/O on 10 May was packed with a few surprises. Among them is the public launch of Duet AI for Google Workspace. This tool offers a creative element to machine learning and promises to enhance productivity via Gmail, Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides. Google Workspace Productivity Tools General Manager Aparna Pappu revealed that since Duet AI’s early access launch last March, they had been impressed by the range of applications for which users have been using the feature, including job applications, essays, and formal thank-you notes. At the same time, Google announced that they would launch Bard — the firm’s answer to ChatGPT — in 180 countries. Bard utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze writing styles and offers recommendations tailored to the intended audience. It also includes writing exercises and targeted feedback to help authors enhance their skills. Bard is currently available in English and will expand to support more languages.

Even age-old job-hunting is catching up with AI. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) provider SAP is partnering with Microsoft AI Copilot and Azure OpenAI Service to enhance talent management capabilities in its SuccessFactors suite. The collaboration aims to automate manual tasks like creating job descriptions and delivering skill development programs using generative AI. SAP added that this partnership demonstrates their dedication to incorporating AI into their solutions.

Similarly, LinkedIn recently introduced two new offerings with AI capabilities. The first is an AI-powered job description feature that assists job posters in creating compelling descriptions by generating draft descriptions based on the basic information provided. Recruiters can also enhance descriptions by incorporating skills from their network connections. The professional networking platform also offers over 100 new AI courses to empower professionals with AI skills and keep them competitive in the job market. LinkedIn VP of Product Hari Srinivasan said they are exploring different ways to use AI as it rapidly advances in every industry.

Meanwhile, Amazon is hiring AI engineers to develop a new ChatGPT-like search feature on their website. According to Bloomberg, the e-commerce giant is recruiting a Senior Technical Program Manager and a Senior Software Development Engineer. These job postings, said Cointelegraph, affirm Amazon’s commitment to align with the broader trend of leveraging generative AI to enhance customer experiences.

Ever wondered what AI’s first impression of humans would be?

Stability AI Founder Emad Mostaque thinks that AI could be bored with humans. In his interview with the BBC, Mostaque said, “Humans are a bit boring – it will be like, goodbye!” referring to how AI could easily free us from mundane tasks. Mostaque also acknowledged the enormous benefits of AI and its potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives. However, the tech CEO warned that AI could control humanity and calls for governments to take action to prevent this outcome.

Hybrid work may not be 100% fun anymore. A HubSpot survey revealed that 33% of flexible employees struggle to build relationships and establish connections in hybrid teams. HubSpot APAC Marketing Director Kat Warboys said we are entering a “new frontier in the future of work” defined by connection. Most respondents also wanted to connect with other new hires during onboarding and participate in more team-building events to foster a strong culture. And even IBM CEO Arvind Krishna is citing the adverse effects of remote work on employees. In an interview with the Economic Times, Krishna highlighted that remote work could diminish one’s opportunity to connect with others, get noticed, and gain access to mentors. Krishna also emphasized the value of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation in the office environment and encouraged employees to return to the office.

Remember the Great Resignation of 2021-2022? ADP‘s chief economist Nela Richardson says this year is giving way to an opposite trend — the Big Stay of 2023. Richardson’s statement is supported by the data showing that the share of Americans quitting their jobs is declining, and the monthly job openings rate is also sliding. One possible reason for the decline in job-hopping is that it may not pay off like it used to. ADP Pay Insights data shows that the year-over-year percent increase in pay for job changers was at its lowest pace of growth since November 2021 in April.

So, are you going to stay?

The future of work stories this week

17 May 2023

• Amazon seeks AI engineers to develop a ChatGPT-like search interface – read article…
• SAP partners with Microsoft AI services – read article…
• LinkedIn launches new AI-powered tools – read article…

16 May 2023

• AI giants partner with hackers to test technology – read article…
• Most Italian job seekers prioritize work-life balance, says Randstad – read article…
• 93% of stay-at-home moms face challenges when returning to the workforce – read article…

15 May 2023

• Google integrates Duet AI into its workspace – read article…
• Economist predicts shift to ‘Big Stay of 2023 – read article…
• Tech CEO suggests AI may find humans boring – read article…

12 May 2023

• South African IT body calls for AI upskilling – read article…
• IBM CEO cites adverse effects of remote work on employees – read article…
• HubSpot report reveals wariness among hybrid workers – read article…

11 May 2023

• Meta secures patent for AI-generated ads – read article…
• Office pods to save companies $30.3Bn in real estate – read article…
• Google to launch Bard in 180 countries – read article…

Read more Inside Outsourcing here:

1. The Outsourcing Week in Review (International): May 15, 2023
2. The Outsourcing Week in Review (Mergers & Acquisitions): May 17, 2023