Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global labour market at a speed and scale not seen since the Industrial Revolution. From customer service to logistics, law, finance, and the creative arts, AI technologies are automating tasks, altering workflows, and redefining roles. This transformation is not theoretical—it’s already underway.According to a 2023 analysis by Goldman Sachs, generative AI could boost global GDP by up to 7% by 2030, driven by substantial productivity gains. But this economic upside also brings disruption. AI is expected to displace or reshape millions of jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks, data handling, and structured decision-making.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described this moment as a turning point. In his public statement titled The Gentle Singularity, Altman said: “We are past the event horizon; the takeoff has started.” His comment reflects the reality that AI tools—like large language models and multimodal systems—are now performing at or above human-level efficiency in many specialized areas. As these systems integrate deeper into professional settings, new opportunities are emerging, but so are substantial employment risks.

Why are millions of jobs at risk?

The reason AI poses a threat to millions of jobs is grounded in its ability to replicate tasks that are rules-based, repetitive, or procedural in nature. Unlike previous technologies that required human oversight, generative AI systems can now operate autonomously in fields that once relied on entry-level labour.According to Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of AI safety company Anthropic, up to 50% of current entry-level office roles could be eliminated in the next five years due to automation. These vulnerable roles include:

These tasks are especially susceptible because they follow predictable, repeatable patterns—the ideal input for generative AI tools.The disruption isn’t limited to white-collar work. In logistics, AI-directed robots are replacing manual warehouse labour. In the media sector, automated subtitling and real-time translation systems are taking over jobs previously performed by trained human linguists.The shift is being accelerated by AI’s scalability. A single model can generate output across multiple industries and languages, dramatically lowering labour costs for companies while increasing their efficiency.

AI is hiring: New roles in the workforce

While some jobs are being eliminated, AI is also creating new ones. These emerging roles focus on developing, managing, and working alongside AI systems:

Enhancement, not just replacement

AI is not replacing all jobs—it’s also augmenting existing professions. In writing and communications, copywriters now use AI to generate first drafts, allowing them to focus on deeper narrative development and strategic content planning.In customer service, a joint MIT-Stanford field study found that AI assistants increased productivity by 14% per hour among support agents. For less experienced workers, the improvement was even greater—34% higher resolution rates, according to the study. This suggests AI can help level up junior staff and reduce onboarding time.

Impact on blue-collar and creative work

The effect of AI reaches beyond office settings:

Even industries once thought resistant to automation—like the arts—are adapting. AI tools are now used in scriptwriting, music production, game design, and digital illustration.

Sector-by-sector impact of AI

Human adaptation: Reskilling for the AI era

Experts across the tech and education sectors stress the importance of reskilling. Individuals who proactively learn to use AI tools are more likely to thrive as the job landscape shifts.Jobs requiring soft skills, judgment, and emotional intelligence—like education, healthcare, leadership, and counselling—remain less vulnerable. Educational institutions and governments are beginning to offer certifications in prompt engineering, AI ethics, and data literacy to prepare workers for the new reality.According to a report by McKinsey & Company, nearly 100 million workers globally may need to switch occupations by 2030 due to automation and AI integration. To mitigate this, countries are launching public-private partnerships focused on retraining and upskilling.