Paying for rise of robots
Survey reveals Aussies working harder or upskilling
WORKERS are prepared to do almost anything to keep their jobs in today’s uncertain market, with one in 10 admitting to accepting a pay cut to stay at work.
In a series of surprising statistics, Galaxy’s Australian Futures Survey reveals while about a third of workers either upgraded their skills (38 per cent) or improved their performance (35 per cent) to keep bosses happy, about a quarter were forced into much more drastic action.
It seems some worked longer hours (26 per cent), some worked in a casual role (21 per cent) and some even accepted a pay cut (11 per cent).
One of the reasons for this is the rise of robots and artificial intelligence at work.
The future of work is a hotbutton topic being tackled by the #WTF campaign, which aims to start a conversation about the big issues and encourage problem solvers to share their ideas. Readers can join in today on the What’s the Future, Australia? website (wtf.org.au) or via social media.
You can ask an expert for advice or there’s a chance to win $500 just by sharing your ideas on the issue.
Social analyst David Chalke said whether the increasing use of robots should be a source of worry or excitement for workers depended on their situation. “If you are 50-plus, tired, low-paid and low-skilled, you should be terrified because the jobs for you in the future are not going to be there, they will be automated,” he said.
“If you are bright, young, smart, adaptable and optimistic, there will always be a job for you. If you have good interpersonal skills, there will always be a job for you.”
REA Group chief inventor Nigel Dalton, who will be a panellist in the #WTF Future of Work discussion, said he was an optimist when it came to predictions of automation.
“I know work is going to change but to me it is the Australian mindset that is important. If I look at history as a predictor of future, Australians are incredibly inventive people,” he said.
Mr Dalton said robots would take over some jobs but workers could stay relevant through continual learning.
“(Education) is the key to being relevant in the future and the worst thing that could happen is to find yourself irrelevant,” he said.
PhD student Nicole Robinson is researching whether people feel comfortable talking with a robot about health and behavioural goals. She said new technology had the potential to help.
“Robots will be the new version of a computer,” she said. It’s not about replacing, it’s about enhancing. New technology on the horizon is quite exciting.” Need help with your career path? Or do you have a great idea for the future of Aussie work? Get expert advice and join the debate for a chance to win $500 at wtf.org.au or on Facebook and Twitter #WTF.