AI will not trigger employment collapse, staffing company Adecco Group says

Despite widespread concerns that artificial intelligence will lead to mass job displacement, a new study by the Adecco Group suggests that a "job apocalypse is not on the horizon." The world's largest staffing company argues that AI's impact will be more about changing job roles and tasks rather than eliminating positions altogether.

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AI is bringing a massive evolution in the world of work, but a job apocalypse is not on the horizon.

Denis Machuel, CEO of Adecco, noted that some companies are using AI as a justification for layoffs driven by weaker performance or restructuring. He stated, "AI is bringing a massive evolution in the world of work, but a job apocalypse is not on the horizon." This perspective is supported by current employment data, which shows record-high employment rates and historically low unemployment in OECD member countries, even three and a half years after the widespread adoption of AI chatbots like ChatGPT.

Adecco's analysis draws parallels with previous industrial revolutions, including the advent of steam, electricity, and the internet. These transformative periods significantly altered the nature of work but did not result in mass job destruction. "With the data we have so far, there's no evidence we will have a different scenario with AI," Machuel added.

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It's more about changing roles and tasks than eliminating jobs.

While acknowledging that some entry-level positions may disappear, Machuel emphasized that companies cannot afford to eliminate junior roles without damaging their future talent pipelines. Instead, he called for a reinvention of these jobs to allow AI to complement human capabilities. This requires a concerted effort in upskilling and reskilling the workforce, alongside closer collaboration between companies, governments, and educational institutions.

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With the data we have so far, there's no evidence we will have a different scenario with AI.