Global customer service operations are undergoing a dramatic transformation as generative artificial intelligence takes over routine support tasks, prompting companies to reduce staffing and reshape their workforce. According to a Bloomberg report, leading companies including Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Microsoft, Uber and Hyatt Hotels have already downsized customer service operations, eliminating thousands of jobs worldwide as AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants become increasingly capable of handling customer inquiries.

The first victims of the artificial intelligence onslaught are not some distant, future professions, but call centers.

Last week, Uber said it would be cutting 10 percent of its customer service workforce to “embrace” AI. But things are much more dire than that according to Forrester analyst Kate…