As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning advance, so does voice-activated technology. This technology is altering the modern workforce, creating the need for new skills.
Voice-activated tech encourages market growth in consumer and enterprise applications. This growth is impacting everything from healthcare to the automotive industry. It is driven by several variables: the rising implementation of IoT and smart devices, increased demand for user-friendly devices, and the ability to boost efficiency while reducing errors, just to name a few.Â
If you have begun to notice the evolution of voice-activated technology, know it is more than a trend. This tech represents a paradigm shift in human-machine interaction. From 2024 to 2028, the voice speech recognition software market size is estimated to grow by USD 20.07 billion. This growth is creating unique business and workforce opportunities. However, there are concerns surrounding a lack of skilled tech talent.Â
What This Means for the Tech Workforce
As the use of voice-activated technology and the adoption of AI applications surge, so will the demand for conversational AI jobs and related roles. NLP (natural language processing) engineers, UX voice designers, and AI ethicists will all be needed. This talent is required to develop virtual assistants, chatbots, and data analysis tools. Many of which focus on voice-activated capabilities.
There is a growing focus on human-centric design, voice security, and multilingual data modeling. These areas require skilled tech workers, but where do you find this talent? In the coming years, roles will expand — positions must be filled in product development, QA testing, and embedded systems, among other areas. So, now is the time to start filling positions with current and future objectives in mind.
The Voice Tech Talent Gap
There is no denying that voice technology and generative AI are the next big wave in technology. However, a barrier exists — the shortage of professionals skilled in speech recognition, machine learning, and conversational AI. For some industries, the demand for certain skills rapidly changed. For example, since 2017, manufacturing and warehousing have experienced significant increases in the demand for AI talent.
In just five years, manufacturing experienced a sevenfold increase. Warehousing saw a 21-fold increase. As a result, some companies are hiring the wrong candidates, desperate to fill new roles. Today, many industries need voice-activated technology and the skills required to utilize it. For example, healthcare companies are looking to automate documentation and streamline workflows. Some core skills in demand include expertise in NLP and AI, the ability to design intuitive and user-friendly voice interactions, the skill to leverage data for voice-powered analytics, etc.
It will also be difficult to recruit for hybrid roles that combine technical skills with linguistics, psychology, or design—these are unique roles, yet companies need these individuals. The limited talent will create growing competition among startups, big tech, and enterprise adopters.
How Companies Can Stay Competitive in Hiring
If you see the need for these skilled workers and are already implementing strategies to hire such talent, there are steps you can take to remain competitive.
Here are some suggestions:
- Partner with recruiters who understand emerging tech verticals, helping you find and secure the required talent. These recruitment and staffing companies have the specialized knowledge, networks, and resources to access hard-to-find talent.Â
- Rethink job descriptions, focusing on attracting cross-disciplinary talent. Don’t just focus on specific technical skills — emphasize the role and impact it will have. Also, showcase company culture and be transparent.Â
- Invest in internal training and upskilling to fill voice-tech pipelines, utilizing those who express interest or have foundational skills. Take advantage of your existing talent pools, creating a culture of continuous learning and skilled development. Not only can this help address skill gaps and reduce external hiring costs, but it can boost employee engagement and retention rates.Â
Speak Now or Miss Out
Voice-activated tech is moving fast, creating the concept of natural language processing careers. However, companies have had time to develop action plans to ensure a competitive edge. So, your hiring strategy needs to move faster. If you’re unsure how to proceed or want to secure top talent, working with a recruitment and staffing company is an ideal solution. While working with recruiters who understand the nuances of this space, you can secure a significant edge, especially as the need for voice-activated tech evolves. Now is the time to build your voice tech team. Get in touch with HireQuest Direct to discuss hiring trends. Together, we can navigate the tech talent acquisition process!
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