Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and deep learning are changing the landscape of business in record time. The impacts have been received with some bittersweet sentiment. This interesting topic came to us from MIT Management in their article, “Get ready for the low-wage worker revolution.”

Technology and automation has always been a two-edged sword. Productivity is improved but the human element is often left out of the equation or gets the bad end of the deal. Low-wage workers make up a sizable portion of the workforce. Technology impacts them the most. It is imperative to remember this and be intentional about helping them adapt to automation.

Across the country, low-wage workers are finding their voice. A savvy business leader would keep an eye on these developments when they begin to revamp policies.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. census data, among U.S. adults 25 years or older who are not self-employed, 16% earn less than $12 per hour, and 28% earn less than $15 per hour.

At the same time emerging technologies like robotics and AI threaten many of these same jobs.

Melody K. Smith

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