AI is rapidly changing the world around us, from the way we engage online to how we work. But while the technology is able to complete an astonishing number of tasks, humans are far from obsolete.
A new report from McKinsey is shining light on why humans are still essential. According to the report, roughly 57% of work hours can be automated. Meanwhile, 70% of the skills employers look for can be used for both automated work and nonautomated work. This means over the next five years, humans will have to adjust their work habits to make room for automation.
McKinsey designed an index to assess how automation will impact each skill used in the workplace today. According to the index, skills like digital and information processing, accounting, and coding are the most likely to be impacted by AI.
Jobs requiring physical activity will see less of an impact, accounting for 35% of U.S. work hours. While robots have made huge strides in their ability to complete physical tasks, they cannot rival the “fine motor skills, dexterity, and situational awareness” of humans, the report says.
Skills that rely on emotional awareness and personal connection—such as coaching, assisting, caring, or negotiating—will see the least amount of impact. The report explains that “even under a full adoption” of AI, emotional skills will remain relevant in many roles.
Currently about 75% of the demand for AI skills falls into one of three categories: computer or mathematical jobs (44%), management roles (19%), and business and financial operations (7%). However, the report goes on to highlight “nearly all occupations have at least one highly disrupted skill—defined as being in the top quartile of change by 2030,” and that a third of occupations will see more than 10% of their skills “highly changed.”
While many jobs will change, new jobs will also be created where working alongside AI will become essential. In fact, the report says, demand for workers who understand AI is growing faster than any other skill set.
“Workers will spend less time preparing documents and doing basic research, for example, and more time framing questions and interpreting results,” the report says. “Employers may increasingly prize skills that add value to AI.”
Making space for AI in the workplace is key. The tech could unlock around $2.9 trillion in economic value in the U.S. if companies can utilize employees to work together with automation, the report projects. Either way, while humans are still necessary for most jobs, AI will inevitably continue to change how humans work—no matter their role.