The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market is disproportionately affecting women, according to new research from human resources analytics firm Revelio Labs. Revelio Labs identified the jobs most at risk of being replaced by AI by reviewing studies produced by the National Bureau of Economic studies, many of which are dominated by women. Bill collectors, payroll experts (accountants) and administrative secretaries are examples of these positions.
According to Hakki Ozdenoren, an economist at Revelio Labs, the distribution of the sexes in different jobs reflects deep-rooted prejudices in society, with women being relegated to certain roles such as administrative assistants and secretaries. As a result, the impact of AI on the labor market is exacerbating existing gender inequalities.
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Advances in AI are exacerbating these gaps on a global scale, leading some companies to consider downsizing their workforce and incorporating generative AI into their operations. IBM, for example, has revealed that it aims to slow down the hiring of back-office activities such as human resources, which can easily be automated by AI. Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, predicts that around 30% of these jobs will be automated over the next five years, potentially leading to the loss of 7,800 jobs.
AI is increasingly replacing jobs that require repetitive operations, which are predominantly held by women. OpenAI’s ChatGPT model, for example, can quickly search, evaluate and summarise large amounts of text – a process that would normally take legal assistants much longer. In recruitment, AI can automate the screening of CVs, a task that has traditionally required more human resources.
However, this does not mean that highly skilled individuals can rest assured that their employment is secure. According to a preliminary study by Revelio Labs, generative AI may have a greater impact on high-paying jobs than on non-traditional industrial employment.
Providing women with reskilling opportunities will be crucial in adapting to the changing work landscape of the future. As Ozdenoren points out, in doing so, society can harness both the promise of AI and the significant talent and knowledge that women possess, ensuring a more equal and inclusive future.
