The Dark Side Of AI: Why Reducing Headcount Is Not The Solution
I have been part of many early discussions with clients about the use of AI in the workplace. Typically, clients want to know whether AI can improve efficiencies and reduce headcount. Although the answer is yes to both, I always preface my response by stating that clients can only achieve one of the two objectives. Using AI to reduce headcount is like turning to The Dark Side — it may seem like an easy and quick solution, but it has serious ethical and moral implications.
Just like the Jedi must resist the temptation of The Dark Side, businesses must resist the temptation of using AI to reduce headcount. If a company chooses to reduce headcount by using AI, it could mean that a large number of employees will be out of work. This would cause chaos in the company, just like when the Empire took control of the galaxy. Not only does this put these individuals in a precarious situation, but it can also cause a drop in morale among the remaining staff. This decrease in morale arises from the fear that they may be the next ones to lose their jobs, thereby affecting their productivity and job satisfaction.
It is important to recognize the ethical and moral implications of such a decision. The use of AI to reduce headcount is a decision that is aligned with The Dark Side, as it is fueled by a hunger for power and control. This is why I always advise clients to focus on using AI to increase productivity, turnover, and profits while redirecting displaced staff to more client-focused activities. This approach is more in line with the Jedi’s values, where they use The Force to help others and the greater good.
If a company can double its productivity with the same headcount, it could also double its turnover and increase profits. This has a massive flow-on effect. Although there may no longer be a need for as many staff members to do mundane tasks that can be automated, displaced staff can be redirected to acquire more clients. This would create new job opportunities that require a different skill set and a more client-centric approach, much like how the Rebel Alliance redirected their resources to fight against the Empire.
The deployment of AI in the workplace allows businesses to focus on tasks that require more human involvement, such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This aligns with the Jedi’s values of using The Force to develop their skills and abilities. The integration of AI in business operations can free up time and resources, enabling businesses to pursue innovation and creativity. AI can help create new products and services that can revolutionize the market and enhance the customer experience, much like how the Jedi use The Force to protect the galaxy and promote peace and justice.
A wise Jedi grand master once said “if you choose the quick and easy path as Vader did, you will become an agent of evil”. Businesses must choose their path wisely when it comes to the use of AI. The path of using AI to reduce headcount is akin to The Dark Side, while the path of using AI to increase productivity, turnover, and profits while redirecting displaced staff to more client-focused activities is in line with the values of the Jedi. By doing this, businesses can foster a more client-centric culture, create new job opportunities that require a different skill set, and promote innovation and creativity. The integration of AI in business operations can help businesses achieve their goals without compromising their values, much like how the Jedi use The Force for good.
