Who will be the workers most affected by AI?

In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Marguerita Lane will draw on insights from her paper, “Who will be the workers most affected by AI? A closer look at the impact of AI on women, low-skilled workers, and other groups.” She will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of work, with a particular focus on how different socio-demographic groups experience AI in their workplaces.

Marguerita will begin by summarising the broad benefits and potential risks of AI in the workplace. While AI has the potential to enhance productivity and economic growth, it also raises concerns about workforce disruption, particularly for tertiary-educated workers in white-collar occupations, who may experience significant changes as AI automates non-routine cognitive tasks. Despite these transformations, empirical analysis does not currently suggest that AI has led to overall declines in employment, even within these professional roles.

She will then examine the groups that are at risk of missing out on AI-related opportunities—including workers without tertiary education, women, and older employees—who may face barriers to accessing AI-driven employment opportunities and productivity-enhancing AI tools in the workplace. By identifying the occupations and sectors where AI is most likely to create disruption, she will provide a clearer understanding of how different workers are positioned in this evolving landscape.

Additionally, she will discuss which groups are most likely to integrate AI tools into their work and which are best positioned to transition into AI-related careers. This includes an exploration of the disparities in AI adoption, the skills required for AI-driven roles, and the implications for career progression across various demographic groups.

Marguerita will conclude the session by outlining key risks and opportunities associated with AI in the workforce. She will highlight strategies that policymakers can implement to ensure that AI’s benefits—such as increased productivity and economic growth—are widely shared, rather than exacerbating inequalities or fueling societal resistance to technological progress.

This session will provide valuable insights into the future of work, equipping attendees with a deeper understanding of how AI is influencing employment trends and what steps can be taken to support workers in adapting to these changes.

CICA Core Competencies: Technology, information and resources, Labour market information, Diversity and inclusion , Professional practice application  

Presenter - Marguerita Lane (Ms)

OECD

Labour Market Economist

ELS/Skills and Future Readiness