Artificial Intelligence Threatens Over a Quarter of Jobs in OECD, Workers Fear Job Losses
PARIS, July 11 (Reuters) – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that more than a quarter of jobs in its member countries could be easily automated in the coming artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. This revelation has sparked fear among workers who are concerned about losing their jobs to AI, according to a report released by the OECD on Tuesday.
The OECD, which consists of 38 member countries including wealthy nations and emerging economies like Mexico and Estonia, stated that there is currently little evidence of AI significantly impacting jobs. However, this may be due to the fact that the AI revolution is still in its early stages.
The report, titled the 2023 Employment Outlook, revealed that jobs with the highest risk of being automated make up an average of 27% of the labor force in OECD countries. Eastern European countries were found to be the most exposed to this risk. The OECD defined jobs at highest risk as those utilizing more than 25 of the 100 skills and abilities that AI experts consider easily automatable.
A survey conducted by the OECD last year found that three out of five workers fear losing their jobs to AI within the next decade. The survey covered 5,300 workers in 2,000 firms across seven OECD countries, spanning the manufacturing and finance sectors.
The survey was carried out before the explosive emergence of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. Despite the anxiety surrounding the advent of AI, two-thirds of workers who are already working with AI stated that automation has made their jobs less dangerous or tedious.
OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann emphasized the importance of policy actions in determining how AI will ultimately impact workers. He stated, “Governments must help workers to prepare for the changes and benefit from the opportunities AI will bring about.”
The OECD suggested that minimum wages and collective bargaining could help alleviate the pressure that AI may put on wages. Additionally, governments and regulators need to ensure that workers’ rights are not compromised in the face of AI advancements.
As the AI revolution continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the benefits and risks will balance out. The OECD’s report serves as a call to action for governments and policymakers to take proactive measures to support workers and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Emma Rumney
What are some industries that are most at risk of significant job changes due to advances in technology and automation?
However, the report adds that with advances in technology, over 14% of existing jobs are at high risk of automation, while an additional 32% are at risk of significant change.
The report also highlighted the need for workers to adapt to new technologies and acquire new skill sets to stay relevant in the labor market. It suggested that governments should invest in education and training programs to help workers transition to new roles.
The fear of job losses due to AI is not unfounded. As automation continues to improve and AI technologies become more sophisticated, many industries could see significant workforce reductions. Jobs in manufacturing, transportation, and customer service are among the most vulnerable.
The impact of AI on jobs is a global concern. Many countries are already experiencing the effects of automation, with some industries being hit harder than others. In the United States, for example, the introduction of self-checkout machines in grocery stores has led to job losses for cashiers. In China, the rise of e-commerce platforms has resulted in the closure of many brick-and-mortar stores.
However, AI also presents opportunities for job creation. The OECD report noted that while some jobs may be lost, new ones will be created in industries related to AI, including data analysis, programming, and technology development. It stressed the importance of preparing workers for these new roles by providing relevant education and training.
The fear of job losses to AI is not limited to workers in OECD countries. It is a global concern that requires cooperation and planning from governments, businesses, and workers themselves. Efforts should be made to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably and that workers have the opportunities and support they need to adapt to the changing job market.
The rise of AI poses a significant threat to job security, as the OECD’s latest warning suggests. With over a quarter of jobs at risk of automation, it’s crucial for governments and organizations to strategize and prioritize upskilling programs to mitigate the impact on employment.
This article highlights the concerning statistics provided by the OECD about the potential impact of AI on jobs, revealing that over a quarter of jobs are at risk of automation. This serves as a strong reminder of the need for proactive measures to reskill and adapt the workforce for the future job market.