In today’s fast-changing world of technology, many workers are worried that artificial intelligence (AI) might take over their jobs. While AI can help businesses run more smoothly and save money, this also means that some people might lose their jobs. This makes a lot of employees nervous about their future. However, as one manager found out, bringing AI into the workplace can sometimes lead to surprising outcomes.
Also read: World’s first AI Beauty Pageant: List of 10 finalists, judging criteria & more
A Reddit user shared a fascinating story of how attempts to replace employees with AI backfired in a surprising way. The Reddit user, who owns a managed service provider (MSP) firm offering cloud computing services, detailed how the business had been stable enough to maintain a well-paid and balanced workforce. No layoffs had been done, and the firm enjoyed a harmonious work environment until a senior IT technician, referred to as Harry, was hired as a middle manager.
Also read: ElevenLabs’ text-to-sound AI now available for everyone: Here’s how to use it
Harry quickly became obsessed with AI and its potential to cut costs. His enthusiasm led to excessive micromanagement and persistent suggestions to the owner about leveraging AI technologies like ChatGPT to reduce employee expenses.
Despite Harry’s insistence, the owner remained sceptical of AI’s capacity to replace his technical employees. He acknowledged that while AI, including ChatGPT, had advanced capabilities, it lacked the agency and cannot perform client interactions or technical troubleshooting—critical components of the MSP firm’s services. However, he identified an area where AI could indeed be beneficial: middle management.
Harry’s obsession with AI inadvertently highlighted the redundancy of his own role. The owner observed that ChatGPT, equipped with Code Interpreter mode, could handle many tasks typically assigned to a middle manager, such as calculations and spreadsheet processing.
For months, the owner closely monitored Harry’s duties, preparing for a potential transition. When a senior employee retired, the opportunity arose. The owner informed Harry that his own suggestions would be implemented, resulting in the automation of his role. Harry was given a choice: accept a redundancy package or undergo retraining in Azure.
Harry opted for retraining, sacrificing the privileges of middle management but preserving his employment.
“Unfortunately for Harry, he’ll lose the comfy privileges being a middle manager entails. Fortunately for our coworkers, they will have an impartial AI making decisions. Fortunately for me, I won’t have to pay for a redundant role,” the Reddit user wrote.
