Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.
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question: My company recently implemented new artificial intelligence tools that have taken over much of our day-to-day operations. We’re being asked to help implement and improve these tools, but it feels like we’re training something that could eventually replace us. Should I worry about this? – Katya
Answer: To be clear, AI is not coming to do your job, but someone who knows how to use AI might. No, it’s not a threat. It’s a reality check. The real change happening now is not job cuts. It’s a transformation of work.
I understand your reaction. The same fears are triggered every time a major technological change occurs. We’ve seen this movie before, and it usually doesn’t end the way people expect. Consider “Hidden Figures,” the story of NASA’s human “computers.” Some feared that their role would disappear with the arrival of machines. Instead, people who learned technology, combined it with expertise, and applied judgment became more valuable, not less. Technology never replaced them. It elevated them.
That’s exactly what’s happening right now. The future of work is not AI versus humans, but AI and human intelligence. At SHRM, we call this AI+HI. AI can move fast, analyze data, and automate daily tasks. What they can’t do is think critically, use judgment, understand the situation, and lead with empathy. I’m all for innovation, but no one wants a chatbot to explain why it “met expectations.” No, these are important human strengths that will be more important than ever in an AI-enabled workplace.
Let’s talk about what’s really important here. Your company is asking you to help implement and improve these tools. It’s not a warning, it’s a vote of confidence. Organizations don’t ask people who are planning a side hustle to help shape their future. They ask questions of people who understand the work, the risks, and the real-world implications. In other words, they depend on you to make technology smarter and more responsible.
That being said, powerful employers also have responsibilities to their employees. Deploying AI should not be a guessing game. Employees need clarity about how their roles will evolve, what skills will become important next, and how the organization plans to support learning and development. Great companies don’t just invest in new tools; they also invest in the people they work with.
But you are responsible here. Don’t wait. Start building your skills today. Learn how these tools work. Understand where they add value and where human judgment must be centered. Be the person who can question output, find flaws, and turn information into insight. Successful people are not those who resist tools, but those who master them.
Bottom line: The real risk is that AI is not useful for adoption. While the world of work continues to evolve, risks still exist. Yes, some jobs will disappear, but new roles, responsibilities, and opportunities are being created every day. Your worth is never found in routine work. It’s all about how we think, adapt and lead through change. That’s the part that no machine can automate.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
