In a recent study by Pearson, a leading learning company, findings indicate that generative AI poses a more significant threat to white-collar roles than blue-collar positions as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into the global economy.
The report, part of Pearson's Skills Outlook series, specifically examines 'Gen AI Proof Jobs,' analyzing the impact of generative AI on over 5,000 jobs across five countries: Australia, Brazil, India, the US, and the UK.
According to the research, the disparity in the impact between white-collar and blue-collar roles is attributed to the nature of tasks involved in each category. Many administrative positions, common in white-collar jobs, involve repetitive tasks such as scheduling appointments or answering calls, which can be easily replicated by generative AI. Notably, the report highlights that in India, over 30 per cent of the tasks in certain white-collar roles could be automated by generative AI, while less than 1 per cent of a blue-collar worker's job is susceptible to automation.
The trend is particularly pronounced in India, where there is a substantial 29 per cent difference in the task-level impact between the most affected white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The report reveals that the five least impacted blue-collar jobs show no tasks affected, while the least impacted white-collar jobs still have around 10 per cent or more of time spent on tasks affected.
In India, the most impacted white-collar jobs, based on the percentage of time spent on automatable tasks, include:
1. Accounting and Book Keeping Clerks – 46 per cent.
2. Word Processor and Related Operators – 40 per cent
3. Administrative Secretaries and Related Associate Professionals – 38 per cent
4. Stall and Market Salespersons – 30 per cent
5. Accountants – 28 per cent
On the blue-collar side, the most impacted jobs in India are:
1. Weavers, Knitters and Related Workers – 17 per cent
2. Basketry Weavers, Brush Makers and Related Workers – 17 per cent
3. Weaving and Knitting Machine Operators – 16 per cent
4. Waiters and Bartenders – 15 per cent
5. Bakers, Pastry Cooks, and Confectionery Makers – 15 per cent
Mike Howells, President of Pearson Workforce Skills, emphasised the importance of understanding job vulnerability to AI, encouraging workers and employers to leverage both AI and human skills. He suggested that utilising technology to handle repetitive tasks could allow individuals to focus on high-value activities and enhance uniquely human skills such as creativity, communication, and leadership.
The research also identifies the least impacted jobs in India, including:
1. Working Proprietors, Directors, and Executives in Transport and Communication - 10 per cent
2. Working Proprietors and Directors, Lodging and Catering Services - 10 per cent
3. Sales and Marketing Managers - 10 per cent
4. Working Proprietors and Directors, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail - 10 per cent
5. Lawyer - 10 per cent
In conclusion, Pearson's Skills Outlook series aims to provide crucial insights into the immediate needs of the modern workforce, helping both employers and employees remain relevant and adaptable in the face of evolving technologies. The study utilizes generative AI tools to analyze specific job tasks, predicting the percentage of time saved by 2032 and highlighting potential job impacts globally. With nearly 1,400 enterprise clients, Pearson brings a robust foundation and unique expertise to the workforce skilling market.
