Artificial intelligence will dramatically change the job market and possibly the nature of work itself, says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. In Oprah Winfrey’s recent TV special “AI and Our Future,” Gates warned that AI is likely to transform both white-collar and blue-collar jobs, challenging long-standing norms about employment and productivity.
“AI will have an even greater impact than the personal computer, the telephone or the Internet,” he said, calling it “the greatest technological advance of my lifetime.”
Gates predicted that the next decade will see fundamental changes in areas such as education and healthcare. In addition, AI-powered robots could take over many tasks that are still performed by humans today, such as factory work, warehousing, and even cooking and cleaning.
Impact of AI on work and human dignity
During their conversation, Winfrey questioned whether AI poses a threat not only to people’s livelihoods but also to the sense of dignity, purpose and meaning they derive from their work, suggesting that the disruption could be far-reaching. While acknowledging AI’s potential to increase productivity, Gates raised concerns about its disruptive impact on workers.
“We have organized our society in such a way that you are rewarded for having a good education and unique skills,” he noted. “If we become 20 or 30 percent more productive, that is only good, because there are so many unmet needs. But if we become 300 percent more productive, that is only good in some ways, because then we can make more things and have more free time. But the way we organize that and preserve people’s dignity requires a lot of commitment and the selection of leaders who are attuned to taking that surplus and making sure we all share it fairly.”
Gates also pointed out that productivity gains from AI could ultimately lead to shorter work weeks, reducing the importance of traditional full-time jobs.
“In the long run, work will no longer be as important,” he said. “And I think that’s fundamentally a good thing.”
Which jobs will survive the AI revolution?
When asked which jobs will be untouched by AI and which skills are most likely to be retained, Gates acknowledged that it is difficult to make precise predictions, but he suggested that jobs that require high levels of creativity, empathy and human interaction may be more resilient to AI.
Jobs that require personal relationships and people-centered skills, such as Social workers, therapists and educators could still thrive in an AI-driven future. The nuanced understanding, empathy and adaptability required for these roles are difficult for AI to replicate. Even in areas like mental health and education where technology can provide tools and support, Gates believes the human factor will remain indispensable.
Still, he cautioned against assuming too confidently that every role is safe from AI influence. “Even then, I can’t guarantee that the software won’t be able to do it well at some point,” he said.
AI could bring rapid economic change
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, also appeared in the TV special and shared Gates’ concerns about the disruptive potential of AI. He warned that the speed at which AI could transform the global economy has not yet been fully realized.
“The pace of global and economic change is something we have not yet seen,” Altman said, warning against complacency. Even if AI technology is made safe, the rapid adoption and spread of AI across the economy could bring unforeseen challenges, he said.
Altman also sees AI as a tool that could unleash unprecedented levels of human creativity.
“The most important thing that will happen here is that everyone in the world will be able to create at a level that is still hard for us to imagine,” he said. But Altman warned that the forces driving AI growth could threaten economic stability and require significant adjustments.
Optimism and caution in balance
Despite their caution, both Altman and Gates expressed optimism that advances in AI would largely benefit humanity. Gates particularly emphasized that human creativity and interaction would be important for the future of work.
“For the next generation, the more human you are, the more committed you are to other people, these are skills that are so scarce, whether it’s in mental health or education.”… We can never have enough of that,” he said.
Mastering the future of work and AI
As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform jobs and redefine the world of work will become increasingly clear. Gates and Altman’s findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, regulation and leadership in managing this transformation. It will be critical for HR professionals to stay ahead of these changes to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.
SHRM is working hard to help industries navigate this disruptive wave of change, and points out that the true power of AI only emerges when it is combined with human ingenuity. To learn more about SHRM’s work combining artificial intelligence and human ingenuity (AI+HI), check out the SHRM AI+HI Specialty Credential and follow the latest news and trends with The AI+HI Project.
