Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing jobs have risen over the past year, prompting many workers to question their job security. While AI tools are increasingly integrated into workplaces, experts from Microsoft and Imperial College London argue that the technology is unlikely to take jobs away immediately. Instead, they suggest that AI could complicate existing roles, making them more challenging and multifaceted.
In an article published in the journal Occupational Medicine, lead researcher Dr. Lara Shemtob highlighted the potential for AI to change job dynamics rather than eliminate them. She pointed out that while AI can automate repetitive tasks, it may create new challenges for employees. “As AI absorbs routine tasks, human roles may shift toward stewardship, problem-solving, or emotional labour, all with their own psychological demands,” Dr. Shemtob stated.
The researchers indicated that AI will likely introduce complexities into jobs that had previously been straightforward. For instance, employees may find themselves interacting more with technology rather than their colleagues. This shift could lead to altered workplace relationships and a potential increase in managerial responsibilities as workers oversee AI agents.
Dr. Shemtob noted that this shift might not be what employees initially signed up for, as they could be thrust into supervisory roles without prior expectations. Moreover, issues such as AI “hallucination,” where AI produces incorrect outputs, may require workers to verify information more rigorously, adding to their workload. Such hidden burdens could diminish the anticipated benefits of AI implementation.
As AI technology evolves, the researchers cautioned against growing “role ambiguity” within workplaces. Dr. Shemtob explained that this ambiguity can contribute to mental health issues, including stress and anxiety. “We know that risk factors for work-related stress involve things like role ambiguity, and change can also be a stressor,” she said.
Despite these concerns, Dr. Shemtob emphasized that AI technologies could provide significant advantages to the workforce. The UK government has committed to making AI “work for working people” through initiatives like the AI Opportunities Action Plan. This plan aims to create AI growth zones, ensuring that British businesses remain at the forefront of AI innovation.
The introduction of AI could also lower barriers to employment for the 2.5 to 3 million people in the UK who are currently economically inactive. Dr. Shemtob highlighted that individuals with certain types of neurodiversity could benefit from AI’s capabilities in the workplace. Tools like transcription, summarization, and scheduling support could greatly assist neurodivergent workers, making their professional lives more accessible.
While acknowledging the challenges AI may pose, the experts believe that its implementation could result in improved mental health outcomes for employees. For example, AI could mitigate human involvement in dangerous tasks, such as online content moderation. However, the researchers noted that ethical considerations regarding decision-making must be addressed.
To fully harness the potential benefits of AI, workplaces need to adopt a conscious approach to its implementation. “The pace of change is so fast it’s hard to stay on top of it and think these things through,” Dr. Shemtob cautioned. She encouraged organizations to actively consider how they use AI and its impact on their workforce.
In summary, while AI is poised to transform the workplace, experts suggest that it is not an immediate threat to job security. Instead, it is essential for employers to understand how AI will reshape roles and relationships in the workplace, ensuring that the transition is beneficial for all employees.
