As A.I. technologies advance, anxieties about job loss grow. The ILO, however, suggests that while some jobs face automation, new opportunities will emerge. Engagement of workers in tech adoption is key, particularly for vulnerable groups. Social dialogue and policy changes are vital to prepare for an A.I.-driven future, ensuring equitable growth and job quality.
As artificial intelligence emerges at lightning speed, the job market stands at a crossroads with many questions swirling around its potential. While some folks are tossing around fears of a looming “jobs apocalypse,” the International Labour Organization (ILO) offers a more optimistic take. Yes, some roles may vanish, but others will grow and shift as technology evolves.
In a recent interview with Janine Berg, a Senior Economist at the ILO, she delved into how A.I. may reshape workplaces, addressing everything from job creation to displacement. She emphasizes the complexities surrounding A.I.’s impact on different demographics, which is something businesses and policymakers cannot overlook as they prepare for the future.
So, what’s the verdict on how A.I. will mold the job market in the years ahead? Berg argues that predicting the long-term impact is more tricky than it seems. The ILO’s studies suggest no impending doomsday for jobs is on the horizon. In fact, many roles remain resistant to automation, like emergency medical technicians or food service workers, jobs that became even more vital during the pandemic.
The research shows that only about 2.3% of jobs globally are at risk of being fully automated. But here’s the kicker: this number doesn’t account for the countless jobs that will sprout from the tech flourishing around us. Just think back twenty years—social media management was non-existent; web design was still in its infancy.
It’s also important to highlight that a lot of what seems “automated” does rely on human labor in the background, often working in dire conditions. Workers are behind A.I. training; they’re the ones verifying data. There’s also the odd phenomenon where customers replace paid roles, like when they use self-checkout at grocery stores.
Looking at job displacement across different regions and genders reveals another layer of complexity. The ILO’s findings indicate that while job losses due to A.I. aren’t widespread, certain areas are at higher risk. Clerical roles, which see 24% of tasks facing high exposure to generative A.I., are the most vulnerable. This is especially concerning as women make up a large percentage of clerical jobs. In fact, women are about 2.5 times more likely to see their positions automated compared to men.
On a broader level, disparities also emerge between wealthier and poorer nations. Many professions can leverage A.I. to enhance productivity, yet this hinges on having the proper infrastructure and skills—something many poorer regions sadly lack. For instance, in Latin America, almost half of the roles that could gain from A.I. augmentation don’t even use a computer, which speaks volumes about the direction this is heading.
Preparing the workforce for the inevitable changes that A.I. brings is crucial. When employees have a stake in how technology is integrated into their jobs, it serves both their interests and those of the employers. Workers are keenly aware of their roles and needs—ignoring them leads to tech hiccups and decreases morale.
The key to a smoother transition appears to rely on social dialogue involving employers and employees. This includes forming councils and collective bargaining agreements, not to mention fostering environments where teamwork thrives. Research indicates that countries with collaborative workplace cultures, like those in the Nordics, are much more adaptable to evolving technologies.
Policies are urgently needed to address the shifts brought by A.I. First up is strengthening international cooperation on A.I., enabling knowledge-sharing and joint training initiatives. Equitable access to A.I. resources should be a priority to ensure everyone gains from developments. Next, countries must build their A.I. capacity through investment in education and digital infrastructure.
Lastly, as A.I. finds its footing in the workplace, it’s vital to ensure it fosters decent work and supports employees through reskilling. Addressing gender and youth-specific challenges is paramount as well. Engaging in meaningful social dialogue ensures workers’ perspectives are integrated into the evolving landscape, steering A.I. toward enhancing job quality instead of undermining it.
In summary, while A.I. certainly brings upheaval, it also opens new doors. Though concerns about job displacement are valid, the landscape isn’t as bleak as some fear. As Janine Berg of the ILO indicates, engagement in the process of technological integration by workers is crucial. Policymakers and businesses must act now to foster collaboration, invest in education, and level the playing field to thrive in an AI-infused future. A thoughtful approach could lead to a transformation where workers are empowered rather than sidelined by these advancements.
Original Source: unric.org