AI’s impact on employment may be less drastic than feared, instead improving workers’ productivity.

In Irvine, California, Alorica, a company managing customer-service centers globally, has incorporated an AI translation tool to enable representatives to converse with customers speaking 200 different languages and 75 dialects. This innovation allows a representative proficient solely in Spanish to understand and address complaints from a Cantonese speaker in Hong Kong without the necessity to hire a Cantonese-speaking representative.

Although concerns exist that AI advancements may lead to job layoffs as chatbots handle more tasks efficiently, Alorica’s experience indicates otherwise. The company’s aggressive hiring approach showcases a balance between technological advancements and job creation. Economist Nick Bunker believes that while AI will impact various jobs, it is unlikely to cause widespread unemployment, historically seen in past technological advancements.

The concept of AI revolves around machines performing tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence. The introduction of generative AI tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI has sparked discussions about the potential replacement of some job roles, yet tangible evidence of widespread job cuts due to AI remains limited. Companies like IKEA have embraced AI to enhance customer service without job reductions, highlighting the potential for AI to complement and enhance human work efficiency.

Studies conducted by academic institutions have suggested that AI can improve productivity among workers, particularly assisting in handling tasks more effectively and expeditiously. By utilizing AI tools, businesses like Alorica have witnessed significant reductions in handling times, allowing representatives to attend to more queries efficiently. AI integration has also streamlined operations by simplifying access to customer information, resulting in enhanced customer service experiences.

Alorica’s Real-time Voice Language Translation tool is a testament to the company’s commitment to leveraging AI for improved customer interactions. This tool ensures that representatives can address calls in multiple languages without the need to hire language-specific agents. Despite these advancements, Alorica remains focused on hiring individuals comfortable with new technologies, emphasizing the synergy between AI integration and continued job opportunities within the company.