In a recent workforce conference at Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, CEO Doug McMillon issued a stark warning to his employees about the impending artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
He stated, "It's very clear that AI is going to change literally every job," adding that he could not think of a single job that would remain unaffected by AI. This statement underscores the profound impact AI is expected to have on the global workforce, a topic that has become a central focus in the company's major planning meetings.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Walmart's top executives are now closely monitoring the evolution of job roles within the company, identifying which ones are shrinking, growing, or remaining stable. This information is being used to determine where additional training and support can best prepare workers for the AI-driven future.
"Our goal is to create the opportunity for everybody to make it to the other side," McMillon said, emphasizing the company's commitment to its employees amidst these transformative changes.
Despite the anticipated shift in job roles, Walmart's executive team expects the company's global workforce to remain roughly the same size about 2.1 million employees over the next three years. However, the nature of these jobs is expected to change significantly.
Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, admitted that it's impossible to accurately predict what the new job landscape will look like. "We've got to do our homework, and so we don't have those answers," Morris said, highlighting the uncertainty that surrounds the AI revolution.
Customers of the retail giant have likely already experienced some of the recent AI transformations. Walmart has developed AI-powered chatbots, referred to as "agents," for customers, suppliers, and employees. The company is also using AI to monitor more of its supply chain and product trends.
In July, Walmart hired former Instacart executive Daniel Danker, who now reports to McMillon, to lead these efforts. Part of his role involves working with Morris to shape how Walmart's workforce evolves in response to AI.
However, Walmart is not the only major corporation bracing for a seismic shift due to AI. Accenture CEO Julie Sweet recently told investors that the firm is "exiting" employees who are no longer useful in the AI revolution, leading to the dismissal of 11,000 employees this week in a massive restructuring effort.
Similarly, Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley warned that AI is set to replace half of all white-collar workers in the U.S., indicating that it's not just mid-level jobs that are at risk.
The impending AI revolution underscores the need for companies to adapt and prepare their workforce for the future. While the exact impact of AI on job roles remains uncertain, it's clear that the technology will bring about significant changes in the way businesses operate and what employees can survive. As companies like Walmart, Accenture, and Ford navigate this new landscape, the words of Walmart's CEO ring true: "Our goal is to create the opportunity for everybody to make it to the other side."
This sentiment reflects a commitment to supporting employees through the transition, a crucial step in ensuring the continued success of businesses and the well-being of their workforce in the age of AI.
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