Abra-cadaver: Professions That Will be “Disappeared” by AI

The next big extinction event isn’t from an incoming asteroid, it’s from AI. And it might just have the same devastating impact on you AND your job. Here’s why we need to be course-correcting immediately if we want to avoid “AI Extinction.”

As we navigate further into the age of artificial intelligence and automation, the urgency to address the impending changes to the employment landscape has never been greater. Some professions are in imminent danger of being rendered obsolete due to advancements in AI technologies. Key roles (think data entry, customer service, human resources, even business intelligence analysts) in the legal, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, are on the brink of transformative shifts.

Here, we explore why positions such as data entry clerks, customer support agents, recruiters, legal assistants, financial traders, manufacturing workers, BI analysts, and healthcare case managers may be replaced by AI solutions in the devastatingly near future.

Data Entry Professionals

Data entry has long been a laborious yet vital function in industries like insurance and healthcare. These professionals dedicate ample time to inputting, updating, and maintaining critical information in various databases. Given the crucial nature of accuracy in sectors such as insurance, even the slightest mistake can create substantial financial liabilities or jeopardize client relationships. Similarly, in healthcare, accurate data entry is crucial for ensuring patient safety, billing accuracy, and compliance with regulations.

Unfortunately, this role is exclusively repetitive and rule-based, making it ripe for automation. Many roles, including order takers, are burdened by similar repetitive tasks that require sifting through large volumes of information. Breakthroughs in AI, particularly in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), allow these technologies to efficiently extract, process, and organize data. By automating data entry, these innovations enable employees to focus on more complex and meaningful tasks, such as enhancing customer interactions and resolving intricate problems.

As AI capabilities advance, the demand for human data entry is expected to decline rapidly. AI systems excel in managing extensive datasets quickly and accurately, thereby diminishing the likelihood of human errors across various industries. This evolution not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers professionals in sectors such as insurance and healthcare to focus on strategic decision-making and delivering superior service. Embracing AI in data entry heralds a significant opportunity for these industries to innovate and enhance their overall performance, an opportunity we must act on swiftly.

As AI continues to evolve and perform data entry tasks with unmatched speed and accuracy, what will you do when your role becomes obsolete, and machines can perform your job more efficiently?

Customer Service Representatives

The realm of customer service is undergoing a revolutionary transformation due to the integration of AI chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools enhance the handling of straightforward inquiries, streamline ticketing systems, and manage increasingly complex customer issues with growing effectiveness.

In Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), AI integration is particularly game-changing. Many BPO companies are harnessing these tools to optimize operations and minimize expenses. By automating routine tasks, human agents can focus on more complex interactions that truly require critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Machine learning algorithms empower chatbots to learn from each interaction, enabling them to enhance customer experience by providing speedy resolutions while allowing BPOs to scale services efficiently. Real-time agents, equipped with AI, can respond to customer needs instantaneously, substantially reducing wait times and boosting satisfaction rates.

While many people believe that human empathy cannot be replaced in complex conversations, a sizable proportion of customer service inquiries can be effectively managed by AI. This balance between AI efficiency and human oversight ensures that when issues escalate, trained agents are alerted promptly. As customer expectations rise for rapid responses, the shift toward AI solutions capable of providing round-the-clock service will intensify. Understanding the critical importance of human (or human like) connection, especially in emotionally charged situations, remains essential for nurturing strong customer relationships. By capitalizing on this synergy, businesses can establish a more nimble and effective customer service framework; however, the time to act is now.

With the rise of AI chatbots capable of managing customer interactions round-the-clock, how will you adapt when customers increasingly expect instant responses that only AI can provide?

Recruiters and Human Resources

The human resources sector stands on the brink of a seismic shift brought about by AI advancements. The recruitment process, historically marked by reviewing resumes, evaluating candidates, and scheduling interviews, can now be streamlined through AI-powered tools that enhance efficiency in matching qualifications with job requirements.

AI's contributions to cost reduction in hiring are not to be understated. Traditional recruitment involves substantial costs related to job advertisements, background checks, and candidate interviews. By accelerating the candidate-finding process, AI not only saves time and money but also enables organizations to make quicker hiring decisions, which is a necessity in today's fast-paced business climate.

The financial consequences of making poor hiring decisions can be profound, affecting both morale and productivity. AI's data analysis capabilities can help align candidates more closely with job specifications, thereby mitigating this risk and facilitating superior hiring outcomes.

AI can enhance the onboarding process by automating training schedules, managing documentation, and ensuring the seamless integration of new employees, thereby increasing retention rates. AI can also promote diversity by eliminating bias in candidate selection, which is often based solely on qualifications and experience. While administrative roles are likely to decline, the demand for strategic positions that require human intuition and insight will remain. This crucial evolution in HR necessitates immediate action to ensure alignment with future job market demands.

As AI-powered tools streamline the recruitment process and reduce costs, how will you position yourself to remain relevant in a field where algorithms are taking the lead in selecting candidates?

Research Lawyers and Paralegals

In the legal arena, the functions of research lawyers and paralegals face increasing automation risks. Tasks such as legal research, document review, and case law citation can now be executed with remarkable efficiency by AI. State-of-the-art AI models can sift through massive amounts of legal data far quicker than human teams, saving both time and costs for law firms.

AI tools excel at contract analysis, flagging potential legal issues, and identifying discrepancies. With the ability to compare contracts side by side, AI can highlight critical differences impacting legal obligations. Furthermore, AI's timely update capabilities concerning contract expiration and service level agreement (SLA) issues ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

The efficiency with which AI handles these tasks is astonishing; what may take a human a day to dissect can be executed in mere minutes by AI. This efficiency enables law firms to redirect their human expertise toward complex legal issues that require a profound understanding. As technology advances, law firms must increasingly rely on AI for routine tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on critical thinking and judgment.

With AI capable of conducting legal research and document analysis in a fraction of the time it takes humans, what steps will you take to ensure your role remains indispensable in a technology-driven legal landscape?

Financial Traders

The finance sector stands as another proactive area for AI integration. With its focus on data analysis and market trends, finance is poised for an AI revolution. Automated trading systems powered by AI can analyze market conditions, identify trends, and execute trades at speeds that far exceed human capabilities.

For instance, human traders may spend precious time assessing decisions; in contrast, AI can process this data in milliseconds, enabling them to capitalize on fleeting opportunities. The competition theory suggests that AI trading systems consistently outperform traditional methods, presenting significantly enhanced accuracy in predicting short-term market movements.

As financial markets evolve, human traders may struggle to match the instantaneous reaction times and superior data processing capabilities of AI. AI provides 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that any market shift can trigger an immediate response, leaving little room for hesitation. AI trading programs continually offer real-time alerts for trading opportunities or significant market changes. In this high-speed financial environment, tardiness is not an option.

As automated trading systems outperform human traders with real-time data analysis and execution capabilities, how will you ensure your competitiveness in a market that increasingly relies on AI for financial decisions?

Manufacturing Workers

The recent pay raises negotiated by auto unions, while beneficial for workers in the short term, may create unforeseen long-term consequences regarding job security as car manufacturers increasingly turn to AI and automation to manage costs. The pressure on car manufacturers to control costs may lead to an increased reliance on AI and automation. This shift poses a risk of long-term job displacement, particularly in traditionally labor-intensive roles. It raises critical questions about navigating the future workforce and ensuring that workers can adapt and thrive in an increasingly automated environment.

The manufacturing sector has already witnessed substantial automation through the deployment of robots and AI systems, particularly in the automotive industry. Jobs on assembly lines and in quality control are increasingly being handled by machines, which can operate under hazardous conditions while ensuring precision and consistency.

In recent months, car manufacturers worldwide have significantly increased their investments in AI technologies, with reported estimates surpassing $10 billion in collective spending. Pioneering companies like Tesla, Toyota, and Volkswagen are at the forefront of this spending, focusing on advancements that will transform the industry.

As robots and AI systems take over more manufacturing roles, how will you prepare for a future where human labor is no longer needed on the assembly line?

Healthcare Revenue Cycle Positions

Healthcare's revenue cycle, which is often hindered by administrative and billing processes, stands to gain significantly from automation. AI can manage claims processing, eligibility verification, and payment processing with minimal human involvement. Automating eligibility checks ensures prompt assessment of patient information, leading to quicker service delivery.

The integration of AI into evaluating Medical Necessity can greatly enhance efficiency, preserving accuracy in claims and reimbursement processes. By employing machine learning models to predict billing trends, healthcare institutions can fortify revenue management and operational efficiency. As the healthcare sector seeks to minimize costs and improve workflows, it is imperative to leverage AI to streamline revenue cycle tasks and reduce reliance on manual labor.

For example, AI can significantly enhance denial management at hospitals by automating the claims process, identifying potential issues before submission, and improving accuracy in coding and documentation. Through predictive analytics, AI can analyze historical claims data to identify trends and flag claims that are likely to be denied, enabling healthcare providers to address these concerns proactively. AI can facilitate real-time claim validation, ensuring that errors are caught early and minimizing the administrative burdens associated with appeals. By utilizing natural language processing, AI can help decipher denial letters to understand common issues and streamline communication between providers and payers, thus improving revenue cycle efficiency and reducing the rate of denied claims.

As robots and AI systems take over more manufacturing roles, how will you prepare for a future where human labor is no longer needed on the assembly line?

Case Managers in Healthcare

Although the role of case managers revolves heavily around human judgment and empathy, elements of their work can also be automated. Case management involves collecting and analyzing data, monitoring patient progress, and ensuring that appropriate resources are utilized. AI can enhance these tasks by providing data-driven insights, tracking patient outcomes, and automating routine communications, enabling case managers to devote more time to complex cases that require human interaction.

AI will directly influence paperwork procedures, improving compliance and facilitating alignment with insurance requirements. The future promises greater efficiency in case management, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver more personalized care while adeptly addressing patient needs and insurance complexities.

How do you think the integration of AI in case management will impact the essential human qualities of empathy and judgment that case workers provide, especially in complex patient situations?

Conclusion

There are numerous other jobs that will soon be in jeopardy of “AI Extinction.” The roles of data entry clerks, customer service agents, recruiters, research lawyers, financial traders, manufacturing workers, healthcare revenue cycle positions, and case managers are all on the cusp of monumental transformation driven by AI technologies. The advent of automation and intelligent systems presents a significant opportunity to enhance efficiency and achieve cost savings across multiple sectors. However, to capitalize on this transition and safeguard human roles that emphasize creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, we must act promptly.

As we look ahead, the potential for AI to not only perform tasks but also make critical decisions based on vast datasets presents an array of challenges regarding leadership and organizational decision-making.

The prospect of AI occupying strategic roles, possibly even as CEOs, demands immediate consideration and action. Striking a balance between AI's capabilities and the indispensable human touch remains crucial in upholding ethical standards and ensuring that technology serves to augment, rather than replace, human insight in leadership. It is time to embrace this rapidly evolving landscape and prepare for a future where collaboration between AI and human endeavors will define successful enterprises.

About the Author:

Will Conaway is recognized as a strategist offering informed perspectives on technology, healthcare, leadership, economics, and historical trends. He is the President and Chair of the Board at Tuxedo Cat Consulting, a premier AI advisory and consulting firm.

His leadership has earned him prestigious accolades, including the ONCON Icon Award for Global Healthcare, Constellation's Business Transformation 150 Award for leadership in digital transformation, and Becker's Hospital Review's 100 Hospital and Health System CIOs to Know. His extensive teaching background includes work at Cornell University's ILR School, Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and Sloan College of Human Ecology. Will collaborates with Gen. George Casey Jr., former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, in teaching VUCA.

As an industry thought leader, Will serves on the Board of Directors at Momentum Innovative Disability. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, the World Economic Forum, and the Kansas State University Psychology Advisory Council. You can find his podcasts on Apple and Spotify or read his materials at Forbes.com.