AI to take over 69% of managers' roles by 2024

Almost 69% of managers’ workloads could be automated by 2024, thanks to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), personal assistants and chatbots, according to Gartner.

If the company’s correct, AI could automate form-filling, information updates and workflow approvals, giving managers more time for learning, performance management and goal setting, Gartner Research Vice-President Helen Poitevin said.

Application leaders will play a crucial role in the technologies’ implementation, with those focused on innovation and AI “now accountable for improving worker experience, developing worker skills and building organisational competency in responsible use of AI”, Gartner said.

“Application leaders will need to support a gradual transition to increased automation of management tasks as this functionality becomes increasingly available across more enterprise applications,” Poitevin added.

AI is also set to improve workplace diversity, with the technology helping to make work more accessible for employees with disabilities, Gartner said.

In fact, the number of employed people with disabilities is expected to triple by 2023, the research company said.

“Some organisations are successfully using AI to make work accessible for those with special needs,” Poitevin said.

“Restaurants are piloting AI robotics technology that enables paralysed employees to control robotic waiters remotely. With technologies like braille-readers and virtual reality, organisations are more open to opportunities to employ a diverse workforce.”

Organisations actively employing those with disabilities have 89%, 72% and 29% higher retention rates, employee productivity and profitability, respectively, Gartner said, adding that by 2022, organisations that don’t employ people with disabilities could fall behind their competitors.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/sompong_tom