AI at Work: Why GenAI is More Likely to Support Workers Than Replace Them

With rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), many workforce development professionals are concerned about the possibility of AI replacing human workers. However, recent findings from Indeed’s Hiring Lab suggest a different outcome. A thorough assessment of over 2,800 unique work skills concluded that none are “very likely” to be fully replaced by GenAI models, including GPT-4o developed by OpenAI. Instead, the report indicates that AI is more likely to serve as a tool to enhance productivity and support human workers rather than replace them.

Key Findings:

  • Human Work Remains Vital: Out of more than 2,800 work skills assessed, none were deemed “very likely” to be replaced by GenAI. In fact, 68.7% of these skills were rated as “very unlikely” or “unlikely” to be replaced, showcasing that human work remains essential in a majority of professions.
  • AI Supports, Not Replaces: GenAI can provide theoretical knowledge and assist with repetitive tasks but struggles to execute hands-on tasks, such as in nursing or aviation, where physical presence is critical.
  • Potential Future Impact: About 28.5% of skills could be replaced by GenAI in the future as businesses adapt and the technology improves. However, this will likely require significant changes to how workplaces operate, such as increased digitization.

What Does This Mean for Workforce Development?

For workforce development professionals, the takeaway is clear: GenAI tools should be seen as support mechanisms rather than replacements. In roles requiring significant physical presence or hands-on execution, AI can help alleviate routine tasks, allowing workers to focus on core skills and responsibilities.

In more knowledge-based roles, such as software development or accounting, AI may handle a larger share of tasks, but upskilling and human oversight will continue to be essential to ensure AI-generated outputs are accurate and effective.

Conclusion

The potential of GenAI to reshape workforces should not be ignored, but the fear of mass job displacement is largely unfounded based on this study. Workforce professionals should focus on integrating AI into existing workflows to enhance productivity, while encouraging ongoing learning and upskilling to maximize human potential alongside AI advancements.

For more detailed insights, you can access the full report here.