JOB REPORT / 43-2011 · 19 TASKS
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service.
Can AI do the work of Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services?
Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.
YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
How does this fit your work?
How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?
Drag the dot. There’s no wrong answer; it starts at our estimate.
The mark shows what’s typical for this job.
The parts of your job AI can already do most of:
- Complete forms for sales orders
- Stamp messages with time and date and file them…
- Perform various data entry or word processing tasks
Your free lesson plan builds the skills that keep you ahead of AI.
A free set of short lessons, about 20 minutes each, at your own pace. No payment, no experience needed.
TURN THIS INTO SKILLS YOU CAN PROVE Early access
Earn a certificate in your job
A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service work. It covers the 17 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.
WHAT WE LOOKED AT
Your job, task by task.
17/ 1917 of 19 tasks reviewed
This job has 19 core tasks. We went through 17 of them, one at a time.
Task by task, from the work Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Services actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.
- TASK 01
Complete forms for sales orders.
AI DOESAuto-fills form fields from caller info and past records
YOU DOConfirm details with the customer and spot errors in real time
- TASK 02
Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.
AI DOESAuto-timestamps, tags, and sorts incoming messages into the right folders or queues
YOU DOHandle unusual messages that don't fit normal filing rules
- TASK 03
Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
AI DOESDrafts documents, formats schedules, and suggests directory updates automatically
YOU DOVerify accuracy and catch context-specific errors AI might miss
- TASK 04
Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
AI DOESAuto-logs call records, timestamps, durations, and calculates charges in real time
YOU DOCatch errors, handle unusual billing situations, and confirm records are accurate
- TASK 05
Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
AI DOESSearches reference files and pulls answers to common questions instantly
YOU DORead the caller's mood and handle anything the script doesn't cover
- TASK 06
Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
AI DOESDrafts order requests, fills forms, and tracks order status automatically
YOU DOConfirm vendor details and handle unexpected problems
- TASK 07
Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
AI DOESRoutes calls, answers common questions, and takes basic messages automatically
YOU DORead tone and emotion to handle upset, confused, or unusual callers with care
- TASK 08
Relay or route written or verbal messages.
AI DOESRoutes calls, sends automated messages, and sorts incoming requests by topic
YOU DOJudge which messages need a real person's touch or urgent escalation
- TASK 09
Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
AI DOESAuto-schedules appointments, routes messages, and processes standard orders
YOU DOHandle upset callers, unclear requests, and anything outside the normal script
- TASK 10
Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
AI DOESAuto-dials numbers, routes calls, and sets up basic conference bridges
YOU DOHandle unexpected situations, confirm caller intent, and manage complex multi-party calls
- TASK 11
Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
AI DOESAutomatically detects incoming calls and sends pages or notifications through digital systems
YOU DODecide when and how to escalate unusual or urgent situations
- TASK 12
Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
AI DOESRoutes simple calls, logs messages, and handles basic automated responses
YOU DOStay present to handle complex, urgent, or unusual live communication needs
- TASK 13
Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
AI DOESFlags incoming alarm types and suggests routing paths based on call data
YOU DOMake the final call on life-safety decisions and keep callers calm under pressure
- TASK 14SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
AI DOESSuggests clearer wording and cuts unnecessary words
YOU DOJudge the right tone and meaning
About this analysis
46% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 15
Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
AI DOESFlags unusual patterns in alarm data and sends alerts
YOU DOStay present, judge real threats, and take action in the physical world
- TASK 16
Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
AI DOESHelps track visitor logs digitally and sends automatic escort notifications
YOU DOStay present at the desk to greet people, hand out badges, and handle unexpected situations in real time
- TASK 17
Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
AI DOESLogs transactions, flags errors in cash records, and helps track petty cash balances
YOU DOHandle physical cash, verify counts in person, and make real deposits
START LEARNING AI
Practice AI.
Use your judgment.
There are 17 short lessons for this job, about 15 minutes each. Each one starts from a task above and teaches the part that stays with you.
Try a free lesson