Emergence of AI in the workforce takes a real form as Paycom in OKC replaces jobs with automation, sparking local conversation about tech's role in the future of employment.
By: Jordan Fremstad
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A layoff at Paycom in Oklahoma City forced 500 people out of their jobs on Wednesday. The company’s leaders said they will implement advanced automation and artificial intelligence-driven technologies in certain departments.
One OKC woman received a notice that Paycom had terminated her position effective Oct. 1.
“It said do not come into work,” she said. “I went to [Microsoft] Teams, and I saw that I couldn’t log in. I feel like I'm in shock. Never thought that I would be fired; it’s not easy. I feel optimistic because it’s five hundred other people that are in the same boat as me.”
The former Paycom employee asked News 9 to conceal her identity out of fear of retaliation. She worked for the company for about a year after transitioning from the legal field. She said the job provided the fresh start she wanted.
“This to me was like my dream job,” she said. “I felt like I really belonged. “It’s hard not to take it personal.”
Paycom leaders said they’re restructuring due to efficiencies in advanced automation and AI-driven technologies. Paycom said existing client-facing roles are unaffected; the company says it is continuing to hire open positions in these areas. Leadership released the following statements.
Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC) (“Paycom”), a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management software, today announced a workforce restructuring due to efficiencies in advanced automation and AI-driven technologies that will impact a limited number of back-office roles. The company continues to actively recruit and hire across sales, software, implementation, and service roles. The updates impact only non-client-facing roles that have been automated, while client-facing roles remain focused on the high-touch, relational service for which Paycom is known. As part of its strategy, Paycom has made significant investments to automate core business systems, improve operational scalability and accelerate innovation, which ultimately increases client satisfaction. These investments have created new efficiencies and reduced the need to backfill or hire for roles that can be automated. Paycom will offer transition assistance to affected employees, including severance packages, outplacement services, and access to internal job opportunities.
Chief Information Security Officer at Alias Cybersecurity, Jonathan Kimmitt, said AI is joining the workforce and that most people already use the technology daily.
“AI is here,” Kimmitt said. “If you use Google Maps, you’re using AI. If you’re using Siri, you’re using AI. The new versions of Office have AI built in. Some jobs are being taken over by software, by code. Other jobs are being created, though.”
Kimmitt said he works with companies implementing AI. He said they try to make departments more efficient without layoffs.
“You have to be really careful when you’re using AI to make decisions about people,” Kimmitt said. “Let’s help people get more efficient in their jobs. If it makes them so efficient that we can eliminate positions, but let’s see if we can move those positions to something else.”
As for the former Paycom employee, she said she’s glad she’s aware of the evolving workforce.
“Me, I feel like I live in a little bubble sometimes, but my bubble was popped today,” she said. “When they talk about AI taking over, it is happening.”
Even though this change locked this door in her life, she said she believes it leaves another door open, waiting for her to walk through it.
“Never stop learning,” she said. “I’m excited for a different opportunity, because I have the knowledge that I have.”
[SRC] https://www.newson6.com/story/68ddf5d1a8bdd1ce4c0758cb/how-ai-and-automation-are-replacing-people-s-jobs-in-okc
