Causes.com
| 8.2.23

AI Job Losses Will Mainly Impact Low-Wage Workers
How do you feel about AI in your work place?
What's the story?
- A new report by the McKinsey Global Institute has found that low-wage workers are 14 times more likely to lose their jobs to AI than higher-earning workers.
- The researchers found that higher-paying jobs will be impacted, too, but these workers' roles are more likely to change and shift rather than disappear entirely.
- The report found that almost one-third of total hours worked in the U.S. could be done by automatic systems by 2030.
Who will be impacted?
- People earning $38,200 a year or less are 14 times more likely to change jobs or careers due to AI. Women and people of color disproportionately hold these jobs.
- A study published in April found that 8 in 10 female workers in the U.S., compared to 6 in 10 men, have jobs that are "highly exposed" to AI.
- Worker displacement by AI is currently highest in customer service, food service, office support, and production. Roles like retail clerk, fast-food server, call center operator, and customer support are under significant threat. These categories make up 39% of all jobs in the U.S.
- According to the report, 11.8 million workers might need to find a new job by 2030. While some may find higher-paying roles in the same company or industry, 9 million may leave their industry entirely.
- Kweilin Ellingrud, a director at McKinsey Global Institute, said they predicted:
"Twenty-one percent of activities can be automated away. When we layer on generative AI, that jumps to 30%."
Are any industries safe?
- The report found that STEM, healthcare, nursing, green technology, and construction are expected to thrive and will continue to recruit new workers.
- The report stated:
"We see generative AI enhancing the way STEM, creative, and business and legal professionals work rather than eliminating a significant number of jobs outright."
How do you feel about AI in your work place?
—Emma Kansiz
The Latest
-
Changes are almost here!It's almost time for Causes bold new look—and a bigger mission. We’ve reimagined the experience to better connect people with read more...
-
The Long Arc: Taking Action in Times of Change“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” Martin Luther King Jr. Today in read more... Advocacy
-
Thousands Displaced as Climate Change Fuels Wildfire Catastrophe in Los AngelesIt's been a week of unprecedented destruction in Los Angeles. So far the Palisades, Eaton and other fires have burned 35,000 read more... Environment
-
Puberty, Privacy, and PolicyOn December 11, the Montana Supreme Court temporarily blocked SB99 , a law that sought to ban gender-affirming care for read more... Families