Growing Concerns vs. Current Evidence
In recent years, fears have grown that artificial intelligence (AI) will completely replace jobs. However, real-world evidence suggests something different—at least for now. Generative AI functions more as a persistent assistant rather than a job-replacing force.
Shifting Perspectives on AI’s Role
It has become increasingly common for individuals to directly seek help from AI tools for daily tasks instead of asking colleagues. The question is whether we are witnessing the start of rapid job substitution or the integration of a digital assistant that complements human work.
Microsoft Research Study Insights
A recent study by Microsoft Research, titled “Working with AI: Measuring the Occupational Implications of Generative AI,” analyzed 200,000 user interactions with Microsoft Copilot. Each interaction was categorized based on the user’s objective and the AI’s action, using the U.S. Department of Labor’s taxonomy for work activities.
The researchers measured the success of each activity through user feedback and an automated classifier, as well as evaluating the AI’s impact on the task. The study concluded that users most frequently attempt to resolve tasks such as data collection, writing, translation, and communication using AI. The AI’s most common actions include providing information, advising, explaining, and drafting.
AI’s Current Impact on Jobs
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report “Job Creation and Economic Development,” the majority of jobs are not threatened by AI; rather, it’s specific tasks performed by people that can be assumed by this technology. In Mexico, the OECD estimated that nearly 19% of workers perform tasks with high automation potential. This percentage increases in states like Quintana Roo (23.4%) and the State of Mexico (23.0%).
AI Adoption: Intentionality and Preparation
Given that seven out of ten companies report difficulties in finding talent, as shown by ManpowerGroup’s latest survey, an AI that supports administrative, communication, or analysis tasks can be a relief—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Individual, Organizational, and Policy Perspectives
AI adoption requires intentionality. On an individual level, it involves developing digital skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work with AI systems. Simply using tools is insufficient; understanding their logic, biases, and limitations is crucial for leveraging AI effectively.
Organizationally, it means designing clear strategies to integrate AI into workflows, training teams, and preventing the technology from being used as an excuse for job precarization. Companies that lead this process with a human-centered approach will have a better chance of turning AI into a competitive advantage.
From a policy perspective, the challenge is twofold: promoting mass digital skills training and ensuring that technological transition does not deepen inequalities. This is particularly urgent for occupations most exposed to AI, as identified by the Microsoft study in language and creative services industries, customer service, sales, as well as certain technical and analytical niches.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does the current evidence suggest about AI’s impact on jobs? The evidence indicates that, for now, AI functions more as an assistant than a job-replacing force. It complements human work rather than substituting it.
- What did the Microsoft Research study find about AI usage? The study analyzed 200,000 user interactions with Microsoft Copilot and found that users most frequently attempted to resolve tasks like data collection, writing, translation, and communication using AI. The AI’s most common actions included providing information, advising, explaining, and drafting.
- How can individuals and organizations prepare for AI integration? Individuals should develop digital skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work with AI systems. Organizations need clear strategies for integrating AI into workflows, team training, and ensuring responsible use of the technology.
- What are the policy implications of AI adoption? Policymakers should focus on mass digital skills training and ensuring that technological transitions do not deepen inequalities, especially for occupations most exposed to AI.
