UN study reveals AI's role in complementing, not replacing, most jobs
While AI technologies like ChatGPT continue to advance, the UN's ILO study offers a reassuring perspective on their impact on employment. Rather than job destruction, it suggests that AI is poised to enhance the quality of jobs, with the potential for positive outcomes across countries, provided that thoughtful policies guide the transition.
artificial intelligence
Highlights
- Study suggests that AI is more likely to complement rather than substitute existing jobs
- It warns that women are more likely than men to see their jobs affected by AI-driven changes
In a recent study, the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) has provided insights into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, on the job market. Contrary to fears of widespread job displacement due to automation, the study suggests that AI is more likely to complement rather than substitute existing jobs.
Varying effects across professions & regions
The study emphasises that the effects of AI technology will vary significantly between professions and regions. Notably, it raises concerns about gender disparities, warning that women are more likely than men to see their jobs affected by AI-driven changes.
Clerical work is identified as the category of jobs with the highest exposure to automation, with nearly a quarter of tasks considered highly exposed and over half of tasks having medium-level exposure. However, in other occupational groups like managers and technicians, only a small share of tasks is found to be highly exposed to automation.
Impact across income levels & policy implications
The study also highlights the role of income levels in determining the impact of AI on employment. Higher-income countries are expected to experience more significant effects due to the prevalence of clerical and para-professional jobs. In contrast, low-income countries are predicted to have a lower exposure to automation.
Surprisingly, the analysis reveals that the potential for job augmentation through AI is nearly equal across countries. This suggests that, with the right policies in place, developing countries can harness the benefits of this technological transformation.
The ILO emphasises the importance of designing policies that support an orderly and fair transition in the workforce. While augmentation can lead to positive developments such as automating routine tasks, it can also accelerate work intensity and limit workers' agency. Therefore, the report calls for careful consideration and proactive measures to ensure the outcomes of this technological shift are favorable.
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