Warm-up
Discuss the following questions:
- How is artificial intelligence transforming the workplace today?
- Which jobs are most likely to disappear because of automation?
- Which new jobs might emerge in the next decade?
- Do you think AI will create more jobs than it eliminates? Why?
- What skills will be essential for workers in the AI-driven economy?
Reading: The AI Revolution in the Workplace
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global labour market. From finance to healthcare, companies are increasingly relying on intelligent systems to carry out complex tasks that once required human expertise. While some employees worry about being phased out, others see AI as an opportunity to open up entirely new career paths.
Many organisations are already using AI tools to streamline operations, reduce costs and scale up productivity. Routine tasks such as data processing, customer support and even legal research can now be automated. As a result, some traditional roles are gradually dying out.
However, experts argue that technology historically tends to give rise to new industries and professions. For example, the rise of AI has created demand for specialists such as machine learning engineers, AI ethicists and data governance consultants.
The real challenge for workers will be the ability to keep up with technological change. Professionals who are willing to branch out into new areas, learn digital skills and collaborate with intelligent systems are likely to remain competitive.
In the coming years, success in the labour market will depend not only on technical knowledge but also on human qualities such as creativity, leadership and emotional intelligence. After all, while algorithms may excel at analysing data, they still struggle to come up with truly original ideas.
Vocabulary Focus
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| carry out | perform or execute | AI systems can carry out complex analyses in seconds. |
| phase out | gradually eliminate | Some administrative jobs may be phased out. |
| open up | create new opportunities | AI may open up new career paths. |
| keep up with | stay updated with | Workers must keep up with technological change. |
| branch out into | move into a new field | Many companies are branching out into AI services. |
| come up with | generate an idea | Humans still come up with innovative solutions. |
Practice
Complete the sentences:
- Many companies are trying to __________ AI-driven solutions.
- Workers must __________ rapid technological change.
- Some routine roles will gradually be __________.
- AI can __________ large amounts of data quickly.
Business Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| labour market disruption | AI is causing significant labour market disruption. |
| digital transformation | Companies are undergoing digital transformation. |
| workforce reskilling | Businesses must invest in workforce reskilling. |
| emerging technologies | AI is one of the most important emerging technologies. |
| competitive advantage | AI can provide a competitive advantage. |
| strategic decision-making | AI can support strategic decision-making. |
Practice
Match the halves:
- competitive
- digital
- workforce
- emerging
- strategic
a. technologies
b. reskilling
c. transformation
d. advantage
e. decision-making
Idioms Used in Business Contexts
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| stay ahead of the curve | be more advanced than competitors | Companies must innovate to stay ahead of the curve. |
| a game changer | something that transforms a situation | AI could be a game changer for many industries. |
| learn the ropes | learn how something works | New employees must learn the ropes of AI tools. |
| think outside the box | think creatively | Future workers must think outside the box. |
| back to the drawing board | start again | If automation fails, companies may go back to the drawing board. |
Speaking Activity (Pair or Group Work)
Scenario
You are consultants advising a company preparing for the future of work.
Discuss:
- Which roles should the company phase out and which should it create?
- How can the company stay ahead of the curve with AI?
- What type of workforce reskilling programme should be implemented?
- How can employees keep up with technological change?
Prepare a short 3-minute presentation with your recommendations.
Writing Task
Write a short business report (180–220 words):
Topic: How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform the Workplace by 2035
Your report should:
- describe two major changes AI will bring to jobs
- explain which skills workers will need
- suggest how companies should prepare
Use at least:
- 3 phrasal verbs
- 2 collocations
- 1 idiom
Optional Extension Activity
Debate:
“Artificial intelligence will create more opportunities than it destroys.”
More about it here https://www.ibm.com/think/insights/artificial-intelligence-future
I you want to know about The Media in Modern Society and Business (C1), please click here https://lingoptima.com/the-media-in-modern-society-and-business-c1/