Adding to the ever-increasing worry of losing jobs to artificial intelligence (AI), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported in April that up to 40% of jobs worldwide could be affected by AI. Similarly, McKinsey and Company predict significant impacts on occupations within the next five years, depending on the pace of automation adoption.
A recent UN report even said that jobs traditionally done by women are more vulnerable to the impact of AI than those done by men.
With expert consensus pointing to automation as inevitable, here are some jobs—both surprising and expected—that tech leaders predict could be taken over by AI in the coming decade.
Driving: While self-driving cars are not yet fully reliable, advancements may soon lead many people to adopt autonomous vehicles.
Software servicing: Automation is set to become increasingly crucial in IT, as organisations lean on it to support digital transformation and distributed teams. Low-code automation tools will empower business users to self-serve, while IT teams focus on delivering strategic solutions more rapidly.
Hiring and recruiting: Automation will reshape recruitment, particularly in talent sourcing, engaging candidates, and assessing potential hires.
Cyberattacks: Surprisingly, AI could also accelerate cyberattacks. Reports suggest that threat actors may automate these malicious activities, increasing risks.
Sales: Natural language processing and machine learning will drive sales automation by first taking over simple, repetitive tasks. With advertising shifting toward social media and online platforms, customers are increasingly purchasing through apps and self-service marketplaces.
Grocery and restaurant work: Automation is transforming grocery stores and restaurants, reducing the need for human staff. This includes self-checkouts, cleaning robots, inventory control, and shelf stocking.
Business writing: The report predicts that within five to 10 years, routine business writing—such as emails and memos—will be almost entirely automated.
Marketing: AI can now automate marketing-related tasks such as personalised content creation, customer segmentation, social media management and data analysis.
But not to despair
A 2023 report from Goldman Sachs explains, “Although the impact of AI on the labour market is likely to be significant, most jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation and are thus more likely to be complemented rather than substituted by AI.”
Goldman Sachs also pointed out that job losses due to automation have historically been balanced out by new job creation.
The case for this? They referenced the economist David Autor’s research, which shows that 60% of today’s jobs are in occupations that didn’t even exist back in 1940. This suggests that over 85% of employment growth in the last 80 years has been driven by new roles created through technological advances.
Another example cited was how innovations in information technology led to the emergence of professions such as web designers, software developers, and digital marketing specialists.