Ever since chatbots exploded onto the scene in November 2022, generative AI and its ability to completely replace human workers and jobs, have been hotly debated.
In one corner are those who are emphatically confident that chatbots will never replace workers because AI lacks soft skills such as analytical thinking, creative thinking, and critical analysis, that only humans have mastered (for now).
In the other, you have those who fear the impact generative AI could have on the need for human workers, particularly in jobs that are already partially automated or can be automated.
And their fears aren’t entirely unfounded: according to a recent study by IPPR which analysed 22,000 tasks in the UK economy, covering every type of job, approximately 11 per cent of tasks have already been affected.
Additionally, back-office, entry-level and part-time jobs in secretarial, customer service and administrative roles are most exposed to automation, and women could be significantly more affected than their male colleagues, as they are more likely to be in these roles.
The study also explored the worst-case scenario, and it predicts that up to eight million jobs could be at risk if AI replaces all jobs within certain sectors.
However, if all jobs were augmented rather than replaced by AI, leading to zero job losses, the economy could experience a 13 per cent boost, which would equate to a GDR of £306 billion per year.
Speaking about the findings, Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR, shared that the next five years will be hugely important and influential for businesses and workers alike.
‘Over the next five years it could transform knowledge work. The question now is less whether AI can be useful, but rather how fast and in what manner employers will use it. History shows that technological transition can be a boon if well managed, or can end in disruption if left to unfold without controls. Indeed, some occupations could be hard hit by generative AI, starting with back-office jobs.
‘But technology isn’t destiny and a jobs apocalypse is not inevitable – government, employers and unions have the opportunity to make crucial design decisions now that ensure we manage this new technology well. If they don’t act soon, it may be too late.’
This is a sentiment shared by Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan, senior research fellow at IPPR: ‘We could see jobs such as copywriters, graphic designers and personal assistants roles being heavily affected by AI. The question is how we can steer technological change in a way that allows for novel job opportunities, increased productivity, and economic benefits for all.’
So what can workers do to future proof their jobs, especially if they fall into one of the above categories?
The first step is understanding the skills you can offer that AI doesn’t. Figure out which of your daily duties could be automated by AI, and see how you can positively incorporate and adopt new tools to help drive efficiency and free up your time to do other work that can’t be completed by AI.
This could be as simple as streaming email responses or taking minutes at a board meeting.
Next, start brushing up on your soft skills, such as creative thinking skills (AKA thinking outside of the box) to fuel business objectives, communication skills via leading meetings or giving internal presentations, or your leadership skills by mentoring more junior members of staff.
Finally, don’t shy away from continuous professional development, even if you have decades of experience in your current role.
Even if you’re the de facto person that everyone comes to when they have a problem, query or need advice, there’s always room for professional growth, so look at ways you can upskill or even refine your current skill set.
Looking for more ways to futureproof your career? Visit the Mail Jobs Board today
