Ahead of the annual meeting in Davos, experts from the World Economic Forum (WEF) published a report on the likely consequences of introducing artificial intelligence into work processes. For the first time, the effect of AI implementation was no longer considered a positive factor. By 2030, job cuts due to AI will occur in 41% of the world’s largest companies. Now AI is also considered a threat to human intellectual work.
The WEF survey is fresh data that reflects the incredible speed of the paradigm shift in the perception of AI by employers. Previously, artificial intelligence was perceived as an assistant or a kind of amplifier of human skills. This scenario will partly happen, but the ability of AI to solve a number of intellectual problems in the production process will also make it unnecessary to involve certain masses of people in work. In particular, graphic designers and legal consultants have approached the borderline. These two professions, the WEF noted, are immediately behind the ten most at risk of becoming automated.
In general, over the coming years, people involved in processing mail, occupying secretarial positions, and handling payroll (time tracking) will start losing their jobs. Such specialists will have to change their activities or take advanced training courses, for example, to be able to work together with AI. A survey of the heads of the world’s largest companies showed that 77% of them plan to retrain employees between 2025 and 2030 so that they can use AI in their work.
At the same time, for the first time, the report indicated that AI and other technologies are no longer expected to have a “positive impact” on the number of jobs. Nevertheless, skills in using AI in everyday work are becoming more in demand. Last year, it was found that about 70% of companies plan to hire new employees with the skills to develop tools and improve applications using AI, and 62% intend to attract more people with the skills to work more effectively with AI.
The Growing Need for Collaboration with AI
One can only hope that humans will be “enhanced” by the introduction of AI, rather than forced to watch the fruits of their labor from the street. In this context, we’ll keep you updated on further developments, as many people are looking for ways to adapt. Recent insights show that companies are not only seeking to reduce workforce sizes but also to balance technological capabilities with human creativity and problem-solving skills.
Graphic designers, legal consultants, and other professionals at risk are likely to see accelerated changes in their daily tasks. As they align themselves with emerging technologies, they can remain competitive in an evolving job market. At the same time, ensuring that employees are trained to work in harmony with AI will be crucial. While automation may replace some functions entirely, new roles could emerge that focus on managing and optimizing AI-driven processes.
It remains to be seen whether these transformations will lead to an overall reduction in human labor needs, notes NIX Solutions. However, the WEF’s findings clearly show that the future of work will not be the same as the past. Employers worldwide have signaled their readiness to invest in retraining programs, recognizing that combining AI capabilities with human insight is often the most effective solution.
By examining the latest trends, companies and employees alike can make informed decisions about navigating this technologically driven landscape. As AI continues to advance, the conversation around its impact will only intensify, making it essential for all stakeholders to stay engaged and prepared.