From automation to virtual reality to artificial intelligence (AI), we’re in for a lot of change in the coming years. But do you know what those changes mean for your industry, your team or your job?

We examined those questions in our Jobs and AI Anxiety report, which explores how work teams can prepare for the future. We found that technological advancements will impact a variety of industries — in similar and different ways. According to a Robert Half survey of more than 1,200 managers in the accounting and finance, technology, legal, advertising and marketing, and human resources fields, respondents agreed that among a variety of disruptive technologies, AI and machine learning will bring the most change to their profession.

While emerging technologies can create challenges for companies and employees, they offer benefits, too. Managers in the industries we surveyed who believe technology has had a positive impact reported the greatest benefit is enhanced productivity for their teams. New advancements are taking away routine, monotonous tasks that eat up a lot of workers’ time each day, giving them more opportunity to be strategic and innovative.

For example, firms in the legal industry are already using AI and machine learning to review documents and contracts, a tedious and time-consuming task. Those in advertising and marketing are utilizing AI and advanced analytics to better understand and serve their customers. Accounting professionals are finding that robotic process automation can greatly reduce costs and errors while improving efficiency when processing invoices.

The bottom line is that disruptive technologies like AI and machine learning, automation, and virtual reality will touch a variety of fields in one way or another. While our research shows that these developments can boost productivity and efficiency, workers must embrace these changes in order to reap any benefits.

According to 46% of managers surveyed, the most significant impact technological advancements will have on employees is that they will require new skills. In addition, 80% of managers who recruit professionals skilled with new technologies said recruiting is challenging — a big predicament for growing companies.

Now’s the time for everyone to get into the habit of staying on top of change. Business leaders must be proactive in preparing their teams for technological advancements. And workers must commit to lifelong learning and remain attuned to how emerging disruptors will further affect their careers.

Check out this slideshow to learn more about how disruptive technologies could impact your industry and profession.

More resources on the future of work

Accounting and finance

Technology

Legal

Creative and marketing

Administrative