It's 2019 and the future is unveilng at a speed like we've never seen before. In case you hadn't noticed, we are right in the middle of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" – and at the helm of that revolution sits Artificial Intelligence. 

Already we have seen self-driving cars, voice-controlled virtual assistants and wristwatches with the technological ability of a desktop computer. And, whatever your opinion, the proliferation of this fourth industrial revolution shows no sign of slowing down.

If you’re not tech savvy, at this point you may well be thinking – what exactly is Artificial Intelligence? 

Well, in layman’s terms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the creation of machines that work and react just like humans. Take the Amazon Alexa, for example. ‘She’ can plan your shopping list, turn on the lights in your home – she can even tell you a joke if you ask her nicely.

In recent years, these expert smart speakers and computer systems have become ubiquitous to our daily lives and are beginning to play an integral role in the workplace.

However, just like the times of change that came before it, the sudden rise in AI has been met with much speculation. Many have claimed the surge in technology will be detrimental to the global job market, but research suggests it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.

Let us remember that with the evolution of technology comes an opportunity to learn and upskill. By 2020, an estimated 2.5 million AI-related jobs are predicted to exist, which will implore business owners to evolve with the times and upskill their workers.

But upskilling and evolution aside, the most important thing to remember is that an influx in technology will simply heighten the already unfaltering need for human-to-human interaction in the world of business.

Despite their undeniable efficiency, robots and machines do not have basic human qualities such as creativity, empathy and human intuition – and it is these complex human attributes that speak volumes within a company.

Without the dedication of our consultants continuously building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with our partners, the Oliver James Group wouldn’t have been able to achieve the worldwide success we’ve seen during our 17 years of business.

And while we are fully invested in the latest technologies to ensure the best service is provided to our clients and candidates, it’s our unparalleled human-to-human service that has earnt us our place as one of the best global recruitment partners in the world.

The bottom line is; no amount of machine learning can instil empathy in a robot, and no number of algorithms can gauge a personality. There will always be the need for human interaction, especially in recruitment.

At Oliver James, we are here to advise and assist you during this exciting industrial revolution – whether you are a client seeking advice on how to upskill your workforce, a skilled contractor ready to help a business evolve or a candidate looking to develop your career, we will provide a bespoke solution for your intricate recruitment needs. See our current vacancies here.