Professionals and business leaders around the world are asking how artificial intelligence (AI) may change work. The increasing integration of AI technologies is reshaping traditional job roles, automating routine tasks, and fostering a demand for new skill sets. As we navigate this transformative era, understanding the impact of AI on the future of work becomes crucial for individuals and organizations alike.
According to a report by the professional networking platform, LinkedIn, conversations about AI have surged by an impressive 70% since the widespread popularity of Generative AI (GAI). Simultaneously, member interest in AI jobs has seen a significant uptick.
Between December 2022 and September 2023, views for AI and AI-related jobs, including those with AI or Machine Learning in their titles or requiring AI skills, rose by 12% across seven major economies, including India. Notably, applications to these job postings experienced an 11% global increase during the same period, with the United States leading the pack with a remarkable 21% and 19% surge in views and applications, respectively, since December 2022.
From January 2023 onward, there has been a noteworthy 60% month-over-month increase in mentions of GAI and GAI-related products on LinkedIn. Job posts on the platform that incorporate AI or GAI in their descriptions have witnessed a 17% higher growth in applications over the past two years compared to posts without such mentions.
When it comes to industries showing the most significant demand for AI skills and literacy, Professional Services, Financial Services, and Manufacturing top the list across the seven analyzed countries. What’s interesting is that companies are not only seeking AI skills for technical roles like Software Engineer and Data Scientist but are increasingly integrating professionals with AI literacy into non-technical positions such as Supply Chain Specialist, Sustainability Manager, and Sales Manager.
A critical aspect for career growth in the AI era is the balance between AI skills and people skills. Tech professionals who have cultivated communication, teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership skills alongside hard skills experience promotions over 13% faster than those with only hard skills.
Findings from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph Research Institute indicate that, at present, 55% of global LinkedIn members are poised to experience disruption or enhancement due to GAI, with the skill sets necessary for occupations anticipated to evolve by an average of 65% by the year 2030.
LinkedIn’s research indicates that professionals with bachelor’s and graduate degrees may face slightly greater disruption (55% and 52%, respectively) compared to those with high school diplomas and associate degrees (50% and 47%, respectively). This suggests a higher urgency for higher-educated professionals to adapt their skills by incorporating AI tools into their work.
AI’s initial rise is expected to impact different generations of professionals in varying ways, with Gen Z likely experiencing disruptions in tasks such as note-taking, meeting summarization, scheduling, and research. Despite this, Gen Z’s familiarity with technology and quick adoption of new tools positions them as the generation closest to being AI literate.
The rise of AI is anticipated to enhance their productivity, develop essential people skills, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on more meaningful work. 52% of Millennials and 48% of Gen Z globally believe AI will advance their careers by providing faster access to knowledge and insights.
On a global scale, both men and women express equal levels of concern (39%) about the potential changes AI may bring to their jobs. Approximately two-thirds of professionals believe that AI will alter the way they work within the next year. Interestingly, 64% of men in the US report feeling concerned that they should know more about AI than they currently do, compared to 45% of US women. This emphasizes the importance of fostering AI literacy across genders to ensure a smoother transition into the future of work.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the future of work, fostering a balance between AI skills, people skills, and AI literacy emerges as a critical imperative for professionals navigating the evolving global workforce.
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