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The Role of AI in the Future of Work
Jason Noel, the Chief Technology Officer for EY’s Americas Consulting division, has been sharing insights on how companies are navigating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. According to Noel, the focus is shifting toward the “convergence of digital and human workforces,” a concept that emphasizes the collaboration between AI tools and human expertise.
The conversation around AI in the workplace often feels overwhelming. Terms like automation, algorithms, productivity, efficiency, decision-making, and up-skilling come up frequently. However, with rapid technological advancements, many organizations are struggling to keep pace, leading to uncertainty about how AI will reshape the future of work.
Employees, in particular, are feeling anxious about their roles. Meanwhile, executives are caught between excitement over potential profits and concern about staying competitive. Investors and company boards are also frustrated by the financial losses incurred from not adopting AI quickly enough.
Consulting firms have long positioned themselves as key players in helping corporations understand and navigate these changes. Yet, their guidance can sometimes be as unclear as the technology itself. To address this, Business Insider spoke with Jason Noel to explore what AI truly means for workers in 2025.
Are Jobs at Risk?
One of the most pressing questions is whether people are losing jobs anytime soon. There have been warnings about catastrophic unemployment rates that could lead to another Great Depression. While such scenarios are thought-provoking, Noel suggests they are not the immediate reality he’s observing.
What to Expect from AI Integration in 2025
Looking ahead, Noel predicts an increase in the use of AI tools like copilots—applications such as ChatGPT and other private or public models. These tools will be integrated into existing enterprise applications, aiming to boost productivity and efficiency.
How EY Is Supporting AI Adoption
EY is focusing on what it calls the next generation of enterprise applications. These interfaces will present users with relevant information based on their role, offer AI-driven insights, and allow them to take action. AI agents generate suggestions, which humans then validate and approve.
Pilot programs with major clients have already shown promising results. This approach reflects the idea of seamlessly integrating AI with human input, creating systems where technology enhances rather than replaces human capabilities.
Real-World Application of AI Tools
To illustrate this, consider a cruise director managing a ship. Numerous factors influence guest experiences, including weather, the composition of passengers, and the day’s activities. AI can analyze data on guest behavior, such as purchasing patterns and preferred hangout spots.
For instance, if the weather is expected to be bad on a day at sea, AI can predict how this will affect guest movement and product consumption. It might recommend moving guests from one venue to another, adjusting product availability, and redeploying staff accordingly. The human in the loop reviews these recommendations and either approves or modifies them before the changes are implemented.
The Importance of Up-Skilling
Noel argues that employees don’t need to become experts in AI technology. Instead, they just need to understand how to interact with the tools. The idea of up-skilling the entire workforce to use AI is, in his view, impractical.
EY assists companies by rethinking functions and processes. This involves more than just providing AI-enabled technology; it’s about enabling employees to rethink how they perform their jobs. The goal is to enhance efficiency, add value, and improve overall capabilities.
By focusing on these strategies, EY aims to help organizations harness the power of AI while ensuring that human expertise remains central to decision-making.
