PODCAST:Working It
TITLE:What will work look like in 2024?
DATE:2023-12-26 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The episode of the "Working It" podcast from the Financial Times, titled "What will work look like in 2024," hosted by Isabelle Berwick, explores predictions about how the work environment and practices might evolve in the year 2024. The episode features discussions with two guests, Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, the FT's US News Editor, and Andrew Hill, the FT's Senior Business Writer.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace. Edgecliffe-Johnson predicts that 2024 will be the year when AI begins to significantly influence our working lives, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical applications. This shift is expected to be driven by companies' desires to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Andrew Hill adds to the conversation by highlighting the rapid advancement of AI technologies, like GPT-3, and how they are finding practical use cases in the workplace. However, he also expresses skepticism about the pace of AI integration, suggesting that 2024 will be more a year for experimentation rather than large-scale implementation.
The podcast also touches on the evolving dynamics of remote work versus returning to the office. Edgecliffe-Johnson provides statistics showing that public transit ridership and office occupancy in the US have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, indicating that a significant number of people are still working remotely. The concept of "coffee badgers," employees who come to the office primarily for social interactions rather than work, is also discussed.
Another key topic is the 'culture wars' and identity politics in the workplace. The guests discuss how companies are becoming more cautious about taking public stands on political and social issues, a shift from the activist CEO trend seen in previous years.
Finally, the podcast delves into the changing labor market dynamics, discussing whether employees or employers will have the upper hand in 2024. The guests speculate on the potential impact of AI on job roles, particularly on junior positions, and the importance of companies offering training for employees to adapt to AI-driven workplaces.
Overall, the episode provides insights into various factors that are expected to shape the work environment in 2024, focusing on the integration of AI, remote work trends, internal company politics, and the evolving labor market.
