Generative AI and Jobs: A Global Analysis of potential effects on job quantity and quality (ILO Working paper 96)

A new report published by the ILO in August 2023 presents a global analysis of tasks and occupations implications to generative Artificial Intelligence.
According to the study, technology is likely to automate some tasks within an occupation while leaving time for other duties, as opposed to fully automating occupations.
This study disregards the widespread concern that such technology could lead to job displacement. Lost jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation and will be augmented and not replaced by generative AI.

The research states that white-collar workers are the most exposed to technology: 24 per cent of white-collar jobs are considered highly exposed, and 58 per cent are medium-level exposed. Percentages are considerably lower in other occupational groups, with an average of highly exposed jobs between 1 and 4 per cent and average exposed positions around 25 per cent.

Exposure effects also vary between low-income countries (0.4 per cent of total employment is potentially exposed to the impact of automation) and high-income countries (5.5 per cent).

A further important variable is gender, with women potentially exposed twice the rate than men.

The study emphasises the need for social dialogue to proactively design policies that consider changes in the quality and quantity of work. Adequate skills training and effective social protection will be crucial to managing this technological transition.