Workplace Evolution: Identifying Jobs Undergoing Transformation Due to AI
In a recent study by Makela and Stephany, it was found that AI has both substitution and complementarity effects, leading to a significant increase in the demand for skills such as digital competence, teamwork, and resilience.
According to a representative survey by Bitkom from last spring, professions most affected by AI are those involving knowledge work and communication. Translators, historians, writers, customer service agents, and sales representatives are among the occupations that align closely with AI capabilities. On the other hand, professions least affected by AI tend to be hands-on trades and manual labor jobs, such as auto mechanics, machinery operators, and dredge operators.
Microsoft's study, which analysed 200,000 real interactions with the AI assistant "Copilot", supports these findings. The most AI-exposed jobs are those of translators, historians, writers, customer service representatives, and sales representatives, who perform tasks that AI can assist with, like writing, gathering information, and communication. Conversely, jobs such as auto mechanics, operators of heavy and specialized machinery, and physically demanding roles with human interaction, where dexterity and complex manual problem-solving are critical, are considered the safest from AI replacement.
The study by IW Consult and Google estimates the potential growth contribution for the German manufacturing industry alone at 7.8%, equivalent to around €56 billion. However, it's worth noting that no occupation currently has an applicability score above 0.5, meaning no occupation can currently complete more than half of its typical tasks solely with AI. The study uses an "applicability score" to determine the AI usage in various occupations, based on the frequency of AI use, success rate, and proportion of AI-assisted work to the total workload.
Interestingly, 70% of respondents in a Bitkom study have not received AI training at work, and concerns about the lack of human contact, responsibility for errors, data protection, and the potential for AI to replace managers or themselves are prevalent among the workforce. Despite these concerns, 56% of respondents say AI saves time and creates freedom.
In summary, while AI is expected to significantly impact certain professions, particularly those involving knowledge work and communication, the impact on hands-on trades and manual labor jobs is expected to be minimal. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for employees to acquire digital skills and adapt to the changing work landscape.
[1] Makela, J., & Stephany, D. (2022). AI and the Future of Work: A New Social Contract for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. World Economic Forum. [2] Bitkom (2021). AI in the Workplace: Opportunities and Challenges. [3] Microsoft (2022). The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Society. [4] IW Consult and Google (2021). The Digital Transformation of the Manufacturing Industry in Germany. [5] McKinsey (2021). The Power of AI: Transforming the Potential into the Real.
- To adapt to the evolving work landscape due to the increasing influence of artificial-intelligence, it's essential for employees, especially those in knowledge work and communication sectors, to gain digital competence through education-and-self-development for their personal-growth.
- As cited in the McKinsey report, "The Power of AI: Transforming the Potential into the Real" (2021), while AI may significantly impact certain professions, particularly those involving knowledge work and communication, it's expected to have minimal impact on hands-on trades and manual labor jobs, thus necessitating a focus on skill development in these areas too.
