AI Replacing Jobs Statistics

The emergence of advanced AI systems is poised to impact global job markets significantly. As workflows undergo transformations driven by these advancements, approximately 300 million full-time jobs could be susceptible to automation by AI [1]. This article explores the potential impact of AI on employment trends, as elucidated by recent statistical data.

AI Replacing Jobs — Key Statistics

AI has the potential to replace around 300 million full-time jobs.
Large businesses are twice as likely to use AI compared to small businesses.
Generative AI in Marketing and Advertising has a significant adoption rate of 37%.
14% of workers report being displaced by automation and replaced by robots.
AI is already used or considered by 77% of businesses.
In May 2023, there were 3,900 job losses in the United States due to AI.
British Telecom plans to implement AI technology to replace 10,000 employees in 7 years.
AI and automation have reduced wages by up to 70% since 1980.
Automation now affects educated, white-collar workers.
AI is expected to impact 80% of the US workforce, affecting at least 10% of their tasks.
Women may experience a greater impact than men.
Around 30% of employees express concerns about job replacement by technology.
81.6% of digital marketers believe AI will lead to job losses for content writers.
72% of companies using AI believe it simplifies their tasks.

1. Artificial intelligence has the potential to replace approximately 300 million full-time jobs.

AI’s potential to replace millions of jobs is driven by its ability to automate routine tasks, boosting efficiency and reducing human error.
Sectors heavily reliant on such tasks could experience significant impact due to this shift.
AI has the capacity to automate manufacturing, improve customer service with chatbots, and revolutionize transportation and logistics through autonomous vehicles and drones [2].

2. Large businesses are twice as likely to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) compared to small businesses.

Big companies invest more in research and development and have the financial resources to embrace new technologies such as AI.
41% of small businesses are actively working on developing an AI strategy for the future [3].

3. Generative AI in Marketing and Advertising has seen a significant adoption rate of 37%.

Adoption Rates of Generative AI across Various Industries

Generative AI has a high adoption rate of 37% in the marketing and advertising industry.
Technology follows closely with a rate of 35%.
Consulting shows a significant adoption rate of 30%.
Teaching, accounting, and healthcare industries have adoption rates of 19%, 16%, and 15% respectively [4].

4. 14% of workers reported that they have already been displaced by automation and replaced by robots.

People’s fears about job automation are higher than the current reality.
Only 14% of workers have had their roles replaced by automation.
Those who experienced job automation overestimated the number at 47%, while those who hadn’t predicted a lower percentage of 29%.
Potential future job losses are the main source of fear among individuals [5].

5. AI is already being used or considered by 77% of businesses.

Currently, 35% of businesses are utilizing AI, and 42% are exploring its implementation in the future [3].
While immediate job losses may not be implied, the likelihood increases as AI technology advances.
AI becoming less dependent on human collaboration contributes to this possibility.

6. In May 2023, 3,900 job losses in the United States were directly attributed to the impact of AI.

AI accounted for 5% of all job losses

In May 2023, AI accounted for 5% of all job losses, ranking as the seventh most significant factor.
The tech sector has experienced a staggering 136,831 job cuts this year, marking the largest wave of layoffs since 2001 [6].

7. British Telecom plans to implement artificial intelligence technology to replace 10,000 employees within 7 years.

Telecom company BT plans to reduce its workforce by 10,000 employees in the next 7 years [7].
Layoffs will be supported by the implementation of AI and automation technologies.
Downsizing is driven by the company’s aim to expand AI-based customer service technology.
Utilization of chatbots for assistance is part of their customer service strategy.

8. AI and automation have significantly reduced wages by as much as 70% since 1980.

Creative professionals face competition from AI-enhanced output.
This competition leads to a decline in wages.
Automation and rudimentary AI have resulted in wage decreases since 1980, particularly in manual labour industries [8,9].

9. Automation is now affecting educated, white-collar workers.

In the past, technological advancements primarily affected blue-collar workers.
Now, educated white-collar workers earning up to $80,000 per year will face the impact of generative AI.
Jobs involving programming and writing skills, like those automated by ChatGPT, fall into this category [8].

10. AI is expected to impact around 80% of the workforce in the United States, affecting at least 10% of their tasks.

Research findings suggest that a significant portion of the US labour market will be affected, even if it’s just a small fraction of their daily tasks.
Approximately 19% of workers might experience a substantial impact, affecting at least half of their tasks.
The impact on the labour market will vary in magnitude and scope.
The research highlights the need for adaptation and preparedness in response to these changes [10].

11. Women might experience a greater impact compared to men.

Percentage of Women's Employment due to AI Technology

Around 80% of women’s employment is at risk due to AI technology.
Approximately 70% of women hold white-collar and administrative positions.
These positions are the primary focus of AI technology [11].

12. Around 30% of employees express concerns about the potential replacement of their jobs by technology in the near future.

1/3 of individuals surveyed in 44 countries fear job displacement by AI within 3 years.
39% of respondents express concerns about inadequate training in digital and technology skills from employers.
A survey of 52,000 individuals reveals global apprehension about AI’s impact on jobs and lack of training support [12].

13. A significant majority of digital marketers, around 81.6%, believe that AI will lead to job losses for content writers in the future.

The marketing industry has the highest rate of AI adoption.
Concerns about job displacement increase.
Content writers face competition from AI chatbots able to generate satisfactory content based on basic prompts [13].

14. Most companies (72%) that utilize AI believe that it will simplify their tasks and responsibilities.

Companies embracing AI have a positive outlook.
They believe AI will streamline work processes.
AI is seen as a complement to human roles, not a replacement [12].

Summing Up

While there is a rising concern about AI replacing jobs, it’s important to see the full spectrum of AI’s potential. We need to invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare for changes on the horizon. Lastly, emphasis should be placed on the potential of AI as a tool to simplify tasks, not just a threat to job security.

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