AI’s Growing Influence: White-Collar Jobs in India at Greater Risk
Pearson’s new study reveals that Generative AI will significantly impact white-collar jobs more than blue-collar jobs in India over the next decade. Discover how AI is reshaping the workforce and what it means for the future of work.
Pearson’s latest report on Generative AI highlights its impact on over 5,000 jobs across five countries. In India, AI is set to transform white-collar roles significantly more than blue-collar ones, affecting up to 30% of the workload in some professions. The study emphasizes the need for businesses to harness AI for automating repetitive tasks and for workers to develop human-centric skills like creativity and leadership.
Generative AI’s Target: White-Collar vs. Blue-Collar
Pearson’s recent workplace study has unveiled a significant trend in the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on various job sectors. According to the third edition of the Pearson Skills Outlook series, titled “Gen AI-proof jobs,” white-collar jobs in India are far more vulnerable to AI-driven transformations than their blue-collar counterparts. The report, which scrutinized over 5,000 jobs across the US, UK, Australia, India, and Brazil, indicates that AI could handle tasks that occupy up to 30% of a white-collar worker’s week, compared to less than 1% for blue-collar workers.
White-Collar Workers: A Sector Under Siege
In India, the most affected white-collar jobs include accounting and bookkeeping clerks, word processors, administrative secretaries, market salespersons, and accountants. These roles involve repetitive tasks such as appointment scheduling and call handling, which are easily automated by AI. The report specifies that tasks in these professions could see an average impact of 29%, with some jobs experiencing up to 46% of their workload potentially automated by AI.
Blue-Collar Jobs: A Different Story
Contrastingly, blue-collar jobs in India, such as weavers, knitters, brush makers, and bartenders, are less susceptible to AI disruption. The likelihood of these roles being affected by AI ranges from 15% to 17%, primarily due to the hands-on and less predictable nature of their tasks. This stark difference underscores the varying capabilities of AI in handling routine administrative work versus manual labor.
Adapting to the AI Revolution
Mike Howells, President of Pearson Workforce Skills, emphasizes the importance of recognizing which jobs are most vulnerable to AI. This awareness allows workers to prepare for the future by developing skills that AI cannot replicate, such as creativity, leadership, and communication. For employers, it is crucial to leverage AI to automate monotonous tasks, enabling their workforce to focus on more valuable and human-centric activities.
Pearson’s Skills Outlook report highlights the need for a balanced approach to AI integration. While automation can enhance efficiency, it is equally vital to cultivate human skills that AI cannot replace. This dual strategy ensures that both employers and employees can navigate the AI-driven transformation of the workplace effectively.
Navigating the AI Landscape
The findings from Pearson’s report indicate a significant reshaping of the workforce in India over the next decade. White-collar jobs, particularly those in administrative and clerical roles, are at higher risk of automation, potentially transforming up to 30% of their workweek. In contrast, blue-collar jobs face minimal disruption from AI.
This evolving landscape highlights the necessity for businesses to embrace AI’s potential while simultaneously investing in the human skills of their workforce. By doing so, they can create a more dynamic and resilient work environment that harnesses the strengths of both technology and human creativity.
As the AI wave continues to surge, the ability to adapt and innovate will be the key to thriving in this new era of work.
Also Read: Riding the AI Wave: Investment Trends and Key Players Driving the Future