Majority of managers’ work will be completely automated by 2024

More than two thirds of routine work carried out by manager-level employees will be automated by 2024, according to a leading research and advisory company.

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as virtual personal assistants and chatbots are rapidly making headway into the workplace, the report from Gartner showed, predicting 69% of a manager’s workload will be replaced by these technologies.

Helen Poitevin, research vice-president at Gartner said: “The role of manager will see a complete overhaul in the next four years.

“Currently, managers often need to spend time filling in forms, updating information and approving workflows. By using AI to automate these tasks, they can spend less time managing transactions and can invest more time on learning, performance management and goal setting.”

Gartner believes this will allow employees to extend their degree of responsibility and influence, without taking on management tasks.

Application leaders focused on innovation and AI will be accountable for improving worker experience, developing worker skills and building organisational competency in responsible use of AI.

Ms Poitevin said: “Application leaders will need to support a gradual transition to increased automation of management tasks as this functionality becomes increasingly available across more enterprise applications..

“Some organisations are successfully using AI to make work accessible for those with special needs.

“Restaurants are piloting AI robotics technology that enables paralysed employees to control robotic waiters remotely. With technologies like braille-readers and virtual reality, organisations are more open to opportunities to employ a diverse workforce.”