Are you ready to lose your job?

Artificial intelligence heralds an entirely new era that will radically transform global economies and labor markets. Many interpret this transformation as “the end of human labor.” This new technological disruption will not completely remove human labor. Instead, it will transform job roles and create new opportunities.

If we consider which jobs will be most sharply affected, it’s clear that job losses will be significant. This technology will drastically impact the job market. Roles primarily based on repetition and those that do not need complex decision-making processes are at risk. For example, experts estimate that by 2049, artificial intelligence will replace 36% of the current workforce in China.

Artificial intelligence will create new jobs!

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs report, the total employment shift is projected over a five-year period. It includes both increases and decreases. This transformation in the labor market will correspond to 22% of today’s jobs.

This means new job areas will arise, equivalent to 14% of the current employment (170 million jobs). During the same period, some positions (equal to 8%, or 92 million jobs) will disappear. Nevertheless, there will still be a net increase of 7% (78 million jobs). In other words, contrary to popular belief, artificial intelligence will not destroy human labor; rather, it will expand job potential.

In this new era, the fastest growth will clearly be in technology-oriented professions. Expertise related to green and energy transformation will be highly desirable. This includes skills in autonomous and electric vehicles, as well as environmental and renewable energy engineering.

But that’s not all! The report predicts an increase in demand for some occupations over the next five years. These include agricultural workers, delivery (courier) drivers, construction workers, salespeople, and food processing staff. Jobs in the care economy, such as nursing, social services, counseling, and personal care assistants, will show significant growth. Roles in education are also highlighted as having high growth potential.

Which competencies will the labor market seek?

All data indicates that the need for “social and managerial skills” in the business world will grow exponentially. Studies show that 70% of employers view analytical thinking as a “must-have.” Creativity is at the top of the list of desirable qualities for the coming period. Curiosity and lifelong learning are also highly valued.

In this new era, the workforce must update itself on a large scale (up-skilling) and, if necessary, completely restructure (re-skilling). If we imagine the entire global workforce as 100 people, then 59 of them will need to participate in training. They must join development programs over the next five years. This is necessary to remain in the labor market.

Given this situation, the most critical barrier for companies emerges as skill gaps. According to the OECD, 70% of employers now focus on continuous learning skills. They value enthusiasm at least as much as traditional diplomas.

Türkiye is no exception. Serious preparation is already needed in this direction. The report indicates that 44% of the current skill sets in our country’s labor market will change. These changes will occur in the next five years. Some skills will become obsolete.

In conclusion

The rise of artificial intelligence has triggered one of the greatest waves of transformation in human history. However, viewing this transformation only through the lens of job losses confines human potential to a narrow framework. In this new order, technology’s speed and efficiency should be interwoven with human creativity, empathy, and universal values.

Proactive policies, a mindset of continuous learning, and inclusive business models will help us blend the power of artificial intelligence. We can integrate it with human creativity. We can also combine it with social skills. During this process, hybrid roles will become more valuable than ever. These roles combine technical and social competencies. They are fueled by imagination and creativity.

To guarantee this transformation is as smooth as possible, governments have significant responsibilities. The business world also bears significant responsibilities. Educational institutions play a crucial role too. This change must affect every structure, from the education ecosystem to government policies. It should also include corporate strategies and individual career planning. All must be shaped by flexible and inclusive programs that embrace this change.

We should strive for a new paradigm where workers stand out for the skills gained over a lifetime. This should be rather than just a single diploma. Employers must recognize the added value of human touch. Technology should complement human labor. This is the most appropriate path.

Finally, we must not forget an important point. A fairer, more productive, and healthier future in the labor market and in society is possible. It will only be achievable if we integrate artificial intelligence technologies with universal values (ethics, morality, conscience, justice).

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