Economic leaders are sounding alarm bells about the unprecedented disruption artificial intelligence will bring to employment worldwide. The comparison to a tsunami reflects the scale and speed of changes expected to reshape how people work and earn their livelihoods. New research highlights the urgent need for policymakers, businesses, and workers to prepare for this transformation.
In wealthy nations, three out of every five jobs will be impacted by AI technology in various ways over the next several years. While some positions will be enhanced or transformed, others will simply cease to exist. Globally, the figure stands at two in five jobs, demonstrating that this is truly a worldwide phenomenon. Early adopters are already seeing results, with approximately 10% of jobs in advanced economies now AI-enhanced, typically leading to better pay for those workers.
The youth employment crisis is poised to worsen significantly. Entry-level positions that have traditionally provided young people with their first professional experiences are precisely the types of roles most easily automated. Tasks that define these junior positions are being taken over by AI systems, creating a gap between education and meaningful employment that could affect an entire generation.
Middle-income workers face their own set of challenges in this new landscape. Those whose jobs aren’t directly transformed by AI risk becoming less competitive in the labor market, potentially seeing their wages stagnate or fall. This creates a divide between AI-enhanced workers who see productivity and pay increases, and those left behind without these technological advantages.
The pace of AI development has outstripped regulatory frameworks, creating what some describe as a dangerous gap. Fundamental questions about ensuring AI safety and promoting inclusive access to its benefits remain unanswered. Union leaders emphasize the importance of involving workers in AI implementation decisions, arguing that the productivity gains should benefit society broadly. International cooperation on AI governance faces challenges as trade tensions and economic nationalism rise, potentially limiting the capital, energy, and data flows necessary for AI advancement.