AI Won't Take Your Job, But It's Somebody Who Uses It That Might

Strategic Insights -

As experts weigh in on the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, a growing sentiment suggests that AI is not a job killer, but rather a tool that can enhance productivity and skills. Economist Richard Baldwin introduced the phrase "AI won't take your job, it's somebody using AI that will take your job," which has gained traction as companies and individuals adapt to the changing work landscape. Despite this, the loss of some jobs is inevitable, and workers should focus on developing soft skills and continuous learning to stay competitive.

Key Takeaways:

  • 85% of companies surveyed by Bain & Company in 2024 said adopting AI was a top-five priority, indicating widespread adoption and integration of AI in the workplace.
  • AI has helped many workers produce high-quality work in a shorter amount of time, with one study by MIT and Stanford finding that access to AI increased productivity by 14% on average.
  • Workers with multiple income streams who used generative AI to increase their productivity made 21% more on average than those who didn't, according to a Morgan Stanley report.
  • AI may be helping people land jobs, with 85% of job seekers saving time using AI for writing applications, and 40% thinking AI improves their grammar, writing, and vocabulary.
  • Some jobs, such as transportation and logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, receptionists, cashiers, and translators, are most likely to see outright automation moving forward, according to Carl Benedikt Frey, a director of future and work at Oxford University.
  • Over 300 million jobs around the world could be impacted by AI, according to a Goldman Sachs report, but it's impossible to predict exactly how they will change.
  • Career coach Jasmine Escalera advises leaning into human soft skills while skilling up and adopting a mindset of continuous learning.
  • For some companies, proficiency in AI is becoming a prerequisite, with Tripadvisor cofounder Steve Kaufer and CEO of global event company Empire Entertainment, J.B. Miller, both emphasizing the importance of AI skills in their hiring processes.

Statistics:

  • 85% of companies surveyed by Bain & Company in 2024 said adopting AI was a top-five priority.
  • AI increased productivity by 14% on average, according to a study by MIT and Stanford.
  • Workers with multiple income streams who used generative AI to increase their productivity made 21% more on average than those who didn't, according to a Morgan Stanley report.
  • Over 300 million jobs around the world could be impacted by AI, according to a Goldman Sachs report.

Sources:

  • Bain & Company survey: "Companies using AI"
  • MIT and Stanford study: "The Impact of AI on Productivity"
  • Morgan Stanley report: "Generative AI and the Future of Work"
  • Goldman Sachs report: "The Future of Work and AI"
  • Interview with Richard Baldwin: "AI won't take your job, it's somebody using AI that will take your job"
  • Interview with Jasmine Escalera: "The Importance of Soft Skills in a World with AI"
  • Interview with Steve Kaufer: "The Logan Bartlett Show"
  • Interview with J.B. Miller: "The Importance of AI Skills in the Event Industry"
  • Article on Business Insider: "AI won't take your job, somebody using it might"