AI boomerang: companies rehiring staff they fired for artificial intelligence

A phenomenon already dubbed the "AI boomerang" is being observed in the business environment. Companies in various countries have begun inviting back specialists who were previously dismissed because their functions were supposed to be replaced by artificial intelligence.

Prevalence of the practice

According to the Associated Press, the exact number of such cases is currently unknown. However, similar situations are occurring with increasing frequency worldwide.

«Коли потрібні критичне мислення, вміння працювати спільно, творчий підхід і знання специфіки організації — це те, що штучний інтелект просто не в змозі відтворити», — пояснює Білл Дрісколл, старший регіональний президент компанії Robert Half. ("When critical thinking, the ability to work collaboratively, a creative approach, and knowledge of the organisation's specifics are required — that is something artificial intelligence simply cannot replicate," explains Bill Driscoll, senior regional president at Robert Half.)

The publication also notes: «І, на мою думку, саме тут компанії починають усвідлювати: "Ого, нам справді потрібні люди для виконання такої роботи"». ("And, in my opinion, this is where companies begin to realise: 'Wow, we really do need people to do this kind of work'").

What AI cannot replace

Other employers surveyed emphasise that people perform many tasks that go beyond their formal duties. These functions include:

• recognising emotions and moods;
• holding spontaneous meetings;
• putting in extra effort at moments when a person feels inspired or has different motivation.

Conditions for return

Employees whom companies have invited back to their previous positions usually try to use this opportunity to secure better working conditions and a higher salary.