Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of work, creating both opportunities and challenges. To better understand this impact and navigate the future of work, it’s crucial to analyze how AI affects jobs and have a barometer to measure its influence. PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer provides valuable insights into this evolving landscape.

The impact of AI on Jobs

1. Automation and Job Displacement: AI has enabled the automation of routine and repetitive tasks in various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, customer service or accounting. This has led to a diminishing demand for workers in roles that could be easily replaced by machines. However, it’s important to note that automation also creates new job opportunities in other areas such as software development, data analysis, and AI systems development and maintenance.
2. Increased Productivity and Efficiency: AI can vastly improve workplace productivity by automating tedious tasks, analyzing large volumes of data or optimizing processes. This allows workers to focus on more strategic and creative activities, which can generate greater value for companies. The AI Jobs Barometer reveals that AI-exposed sectors are experiencing significantly higher growth in labor productivity compared to non-AI-exposed sectors.
3. Creation of New Jobs and Roles: AI is driving the creation of new jobs and roles that did not exist before. For example, the development and maintenance of AI systems requires professionals specialized in machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision.
   Additionally, AI is generating demand for experts in AI ethics and regulation to ensure responsible and equitable use of this technology.
4. Transformation of Required Skills: AI is changing the skills required in the job market. As machines become more capable of performing cognitive tasks, soft skills become more important. Furthermore, the ability to work collaboratively with AI systems and understand their limitations becomes essential for many roles. PwC emphasizes the need for workers to develop new skills to stay relevant in the evolving job market.
5. Inequality and Job Polarization: AI can exacerbate inequality and job polarization. Workers with highly demanded skills and the ability to adapt to technological changes can benefit from higher salaries and opportunities, while those with less demanded skills or difficulties adapting may face challenges in finding employment and maintaining their standard of living. The AI Jobs Barometer highlights the potential for a wage premium in AI-related roles, but also underscores the importance of addressing potential inequalities.

PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer: A Compass for the Future of Work

PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer serves as a valuable tool for understanding the evolving impact of AI on the workforce. By analyzing millions of job postings across various countries and industries, it provides insights into:

• Growth of AI-exposed sectors: Identifying industries experiencing significant growth in labor productivity due to AI adoption.
• Rise of AI job opportunities: Tracking the increasing demand for roles requiring AI skills and the associated wage premium.
• Skills for the future: Highlighting the skills that are becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven workplace.
• Productivity revolution: Quantifying the impact of AI on labor productivity and economic growth.

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/artificial-intelligence/ai-jobs-barometer.html

By utilizing the insights from PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer, businesses, policymakers, and individuals can make informed decisions about how to navigate the changing landscape of work. This includes investing in AI skills development, adapting business strategies, and implementing policies that address potential inequalities and ensure a just transition for workers.