I’ve been scratching my head lately, wondering why companies are so quick to lay off employees in the wake of AI adoption. You’d think that with AI’s ability to multiply productivity, companies would be investing in upskilling their workforce, not downsizing.
The logic seems simple: if AI can make one person 10 times more productive, then 10 people should be able to achieve 100 times more, right? But instead of hiring and training AI-savvy workers, companies are cutting jobs left and right.
## The Misconception
Maybe the problem is that we’re looking at AI as a replacement for human labor, rather than a tool to augment it. AI isn’t meant to replace us, but to free us up to focus on higher-value tasks. By laying off workers, companies are missing out on the opportunity to unlock their full potential.
## The Opportunity Cost
When companies choose to lay off workers instead of upskilling them, they’re not just losing talent – they’re also losing the chance to create a competitive advantage. Imagine if, instead of cutting jobs, companies invested in training their workforce to work alongside AI. They’d be able to tap into the true potential of AI and leave their competitors in the dust.
## The Way Forward
So, what’s the solution? It’s time for companies to shift their focus from cost-cutting to upskilling. By investing in their workforce, companies can unlock the true potential of AI and create a sustainable competitive advantage.
As I always say, getting a job is hard these days. That’s why I wrote a short guide on how to find work without having to drop 100s of resumes. It might be helpful for those struggling to find employment in this AI-driven job market.
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*Further reading: [How to Find Work in an AI-Driven Job Market](https://engyne.ai/resources/how-to-find-work)*