A report titled Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure reveals the consequences of the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on the world of work. Contrary to widely spread concerns, it seems that fewer jobs are disappearing and more are transforming during this period of technological change. The document highlights that approximately 25% of jobs globally are likely to be affected by this technology, calling for proactive skill adaptation among workers.
The report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and NASK, through a new exposure index, analyzes nearly 30,000 professional tasks. The results indicate that the potential for automation by GenAI could impact 25% of global jobs, with a particular concentration in high-income countries where this rate rises to 34%. This underscores an urgent need for governments and businesses to focus on jobs at risk and adopt appropriate strategies to manage this transformation.
Transformed jobs, but rarely eliminated
A key point of the report emphasizes that the real threat lies less in the outright disappearance of positions than in their transformation. While some tasks will become more efficient thanks to AI tools, many will still require human supervision. This indicates that GenAI could act as a complement to workers rather than a direct replacement, especially in sectors already undergoing digital transition.
A focus on gender disparities
The report also highlights notable gender disparities. In industrialized countries, it reveals that jobs held by women are three times more exposed to automation than those held by men. This is partly explained by the concentration of women in administrative and office positions, which are often more likely to be affected by GenAI. Moreover, professions well beyond routine tasks, including those in software, media, and finance, are also identified as being at risk.
Preparing rather than suffering
In the face of the rising power of generative artificial intelligence, the call for a rapid adaptation of skills is essential. The ILO and NASK stress that inaction is not an option. Public policies must not only frame transitions within jobs but also ensure that inequalities do not increase. According to recommendations, it is crucial to ensure successful professional retraining, support continuing education, and promote an inclusive digital transition.
It is imperative to take action upstream to anticipate this evolution of the world of work. In this regard, to better understand the issues related to the impact of AI on various sectors, it is recommended to consult specific analyses, such as “Artificial Intelligence and Employment: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction” and “The Imminent Impact of AI on the Retail Industry.” Companies and countries must prepare collectively for these changes by integrating suitable training strategies to best incorporate this technological revolution.
