- Says Automation Risk To Vary By Occupation, Gender
A GROUND-BREAKING joint study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Poland’s National Research Institute (NASK) finds that one in four jobs worldwide could be affected by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), though the primary impact is expected to be transformation rather than replacement.
Published on Monday, May 20, 2025, the report, “Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure,” presents the most detailed global analysis to date on how GenAI may reshape employment.
The study combines nearly 30,000 occupational tasks with expert validation, AI-assisted scoring, and harmonized ILO microdata to assess AI’s potential influence across different sectors and countries.
Key Findings:
Exposure Gradients: The report introduces new classifications that group occupations by their susceptibility to GenAI, helping policymakers distinguish between jobs at high risk of automation and those more likely to evolve through task restructuring.
Global Impact: Approximately 25% of jobs worldwide could be exposed to GenAI, with higher exposure in high-income countries (34%).
Gender Disparity: Women face significantly higher exposure, particularly in high-income nations, where 9.6% of female jobs are at the highest automation risk, compared to just 3.5% for men.
Most Vulnerable Roles: Clerical positions are most exposed due to GenAI’s ability to automate many routine tasks. However, highly digitized roles in media, software, and finance are also increasingly at risk as AI capabilities expand.
Limited Full Automation: While AI can enhance efficiency, most jobs will still require human involvement, minimizing complete automation. The study notes divergent outcomes for digitally adaptable professions (e.g., software developers) versus those with limited digital skills.
Policy Implications
The report underscores the importance of proactive policies to guide digital transitions, ensuring workers in transforming sectors retain employment and job quality.
“This index provides a practical tool to identify where GenAI will have the greatest impact, enabling countries to prepare and protect their workforces effectively,” said Marek Troszyński, Senior Expert at NASK and co-author of the study.
A Call for Inclusive Strategies:
The study clarifies that exposure does not equate to job losses, as technological, infrastructural, and skills barriers will shape implementation differently across regions.
The authors emphasize that GenAI is more likely to modify jobs than eliminate them, urging governments, employers, and workers to collaborate on inclusive strategies.
“Amid the AI hype, this tool offers clarity, helping nations assess risks and prepare for a fairer digital future,” said Janine Berg, Senior Economist at the ILO.
This report is the first in a series by ILO and NASK on GenAI’s labour market effects. Future publications will explore country-specific impacts and provide policy recommendations, particularly for emerging economies.
