An Executive Summary of an article from The Brookings Institute
The rapid emergence of generative AI, exemplified by the launch of ChatGPT-3.5, has captured global attention, showcasing its ability to produce seemingly human-generated content across various mediums. This technological leap has ignited widespread discussion about its potential impact on work, workers, and livelihoods, both in the present and as more advanced models continue to develop. A significant concern among U.S. workers is evident in a Pew Research Center poll, which reveals that most Americans anticipate a substantial, primarily negative, effect on jobs over the next two decades.
Despite these apprehensions, there remains a notable lack of consensus on the precise nature and extent of generative AI’s potential impacts, as well as the most effective strategies for response. This uncertainty highlights fundamental questions: How can we ensure workers play an active role in the design and implementation of generative AI? What measures are necessary to guarantee that workers benefit meaningfully from its advancements? And what safeguards are required to minimize potential harms?
These crucial questions are at the core of a new multiyear initiative launched by Brookings, aimed at enhancing public understanding, informing policymakers and employers, and shaping societal responses to ensure workers benefit from AI while minimizing risks. This initiative includes research, worker-centered narratives, and cross-sector dialogues. The report frames the stakes for workers, acknowledging the current state of underpreparedness. It analyzes AI’s potential impact on jobs using detailed data from OpenAI, emphasizing the necessity for proactive employer practices, stronger worker voice, and effective public policies.
Generative AI distinguishes itself from previous forms of automation through its capacity to generate new content, its ease of diffusion, and its primarily “disembodied” nature. Unlike traditional automation that primarily affected manual labor, generative AI excels at mimicking complex, non-routine skills, impacting higher-paying professions and white-collar roles. While it offers potential for enhanced productivity and innovation, it also poses risks such as job displacement, copyright infringement, and increased employee surveillance. The ultimate outcome hinges on the ability of workers and stakeholders to influence its deployment.
Analysis of OpenAI data indicates that over 30% of workers could experience disruption in at least half of their occupational tasks. Sectors with higher-paying, advanced-degree requirements, such as computer work, finance, and engineering, face greater exposure, as do administrative roles. Key questions persist regarding AI’s role in augmenting versus automating human labor, the distribution of benefits and losses among workers, and the potential for job deskilling. The agreement between Hollywood writers and studios serves as a relevant example of AI adaptation with built-in safeguards.
Occupations with high exposure and automation potential include office and administrative support roles, business and financial operations, sales, legal, and computer occupations. For example, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks show a 100% chance of task automation, as do insurance underwriters. Women are disproportionally affected due to their high representation in these fields.
In essence, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges, proactive measures are essential to ensure a future where workers benefit from its advancements while mitigating potential harms.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025
What Companies Look for When Choosing a Board Member
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier.
38 Deadly Interview Mistakes to Avoid
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
The Interview Mistake Too Many Executives Make (And How To Correct It)
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 3000 episodes over 13+ years.
We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www.TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www.TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.
