Consultancies lead the way in explaining the future of employment

Major consulting firms have stepped up to clarify how artificial intelligence will reshape employment (and human relevance), largely by inventing new words.

Accenture confirmed that its 800,000 staff will now be known as ‘reinventors’, following a major internal reorganisation intended to help the firm adapt to AI. The change places Accenture in line with Disney’s “imagineers” [1]

Chief executive Julie Sweet said “We are exiting on a compressed timeline people where reskilling, based on our experience, is not a viable path for the skills we need”, a statement analysts described as “decisive” and “not intended to be read twice”.

Employees unable to reinvent themselves within the required timeframe will be asked to pursue reinvention opportunities elsewhere.

The company has reportedly updated its internal HR systems to reflect this new direction, though it is understood pay, job security and decision-making authority have not been reinvented. [2]

McKinsey weighed in by boldly declining to specify how many jobs would be affected, which countries would be involved, or what any of this would mean in practice.

The firm stressed it continues to see an ever-increasing need for client-facing staff, and is “aggressively” hiring in those areas, suggesting that the future of work remains secure provided it is visible to paying customers. 

Both firms confirmed they remain available to help other organisations achieve similar clarity around workforce transitions. [3]

Footnotes

[1] Not to be confused with Mickey Mouse organisations.

[2] “Reinventor” is not currently recognised by HMRC.

[3] For a fee.