Key Points:
- More than 5% of jobs in developed countries could be eliminated through AI-powered automation, while low-income countries may see less than 0.5% impact.
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) report suggests a balanced and optimistic outcome, stating that most jobs will be complemented rather than substituted by AI.
- Job augmentation through AI could benefit more than 13% of citizens in high-income nations and around 10% in low-income countries.
- Professions at higher risk include office administration, with about a quarter of tasks highly exposed to potential automation.
- 3.7% of female employment compared to 1.4% of male employment is potentially automatable with generative AI technology, due to women’s overrepresentation in clerical and service roles.
Hot Take:
Despite concerns about job loss and gender disparities, the ILO report emphasizes that the impact of AI on jobs will depend on how technology is managed and regulated. With proper policies, the potential economic upside of AI, projected to add over $4 trillion to the global economy, can be realized. As workers navigate this new technological landscape, the challenge lies in responsibly harnessing AI’s potential rather than resisting it. The ILO’s use of AI assistance in creating the report highlights the need for humans to remain active participants in shaping AI’s impact on the workforce.