According to a recent report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than a quarter of jobs in its member countries could be easily automated with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This revelation has left workers concerned about the potential loss of their jobs to AI.
The OECD, which consists of 38 member countries including both rich nations and emerging economies such as Mexico and Estonia, highlighted that while there is currently little evidence of AI significantly impacting jobs, this may be because the AI revolution is still in its early stages.
The report revealed that on average across OECD countries, 27% of jobs are at risk of being automated. Eastern European countries were found to be particularly vulnerable. The highest-risk jobs were defined as those utilizing more than 25 out of 100 skills and abilities that experts believe can be easily automated.
In a survey conducted last year by the OECD, it was found that three out of five workers fear losing their job to AI within the next decade. The survey covered 5,300 workers from 2,000 companies in various sectors including manufacturing and finance across seven OECD countries.
It is important to note that this survey was conducted before the explosive emergence of generative AI like ChatGPT. Despite concerns about job displacement due to AI, two-thirds of workers who already work with it reported that automation had made their jobs less dangerous or tedious.
OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann emphasized that the impact of AI on workers will depend on policy measures taken. He stated that governments must assist workers in preparing for these changes and help them benefit from the opportunities brought by AI.
To address potential wage pressures caused by AI, minimum wages and collective bargaining could be implemented. Additionally, governments and regulators need to ensure that workers’ rights are not compromised in this rapidly evolving landscape.
It is crucial for policymakers to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits offered by AI while safeguarding individuals’ livelihoods. The OECD report serves as a reminder that proactive measures are necessary to navigate the challenges posed by AI in the workforce.
It is said that, Reuters, this article aims to provide an informative analysis of the OECD’s findings. To read more about this topic, please visit the source: Reuters(https://www.reuters.com/technology/27-jobs-high-risk-ai-revolution-says-oecd-2023-07-11/).
