A Multifaceted Analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) and its associated agents are poised to significantly reshape the workforce and job market, according to a recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This report, titled "The Future of Jobs Report 2025," paints a complex picture of both job displacement and creation in the face of advancing technology.
The report reveals that 41% of surveyed employers anticipate workforce reductions within the next five years, particularly in roles where AI can effectively replicate human tasks. Cashiers, ticket clerks, administrative assistants, and accountants are among the roles expected to experience the most significant decline due to AI and information processing technologies.
However, the growth of AI and information processing technology is also projected to create 11 million new jobs, albeit with the unfortunate consequence of eliminating 9 million others. This makes it the technology trend with the highest potential for net job displacement. Robotics and autonomous systems are identified as the primary drivers of this displacement, with a projected net loss of 5 million jobs.
"Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labor markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks," states Till Leopold, head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at WEF. He emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between businesses and governments to invest in skills development and build a resilient global workforce that can thrive in this evolving landscape.
Companies like Oracle and Salesforce are already developing AI agents designed to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, potentially contributing to the job displacement highlighted by the WEF. Oracle's AI agents, integrated within its Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite, can handle tasks across various functions, including finance, sales, customer service, and marketing. Salesforce's Agentforce platform empowers companies to build customized AI agents for diverse business needs.
Experts predict that AI agents will become increasingly commonplace in the near future. Paul Drews, managing partner for Salesforce Ventures, anticipates that "almost every major business" will create an AI agent to support customer interactions in banking, insurance, healthcare, and retail. He believes that AI agents will become an integral part of our digital lives within the next year.
The WEF report underscores the transformative power of AI and its potential to reshape the workforce. While job displacement is a significant concern, the report also highlights the creation of new opportunities. The key lies in proactive adaptation, with businesses and governments working together to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate this evolving landscape and thrive in the age of AI.