You thought the pay gap was bad? Now, on top of earning 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in the U.S., and women in the UK making 7.7% less than men in median hourly pay, there’s another worry: the risk of job loss to automation. With more women working in automatable roles like admin and clerical positions than men, there is a higher rate of displacement for these roles.
A recent study from Quartz found that women hold approximately 58% of administrative support jobs, a sector heavily affected by automation technologies. Men are more likely to be employed in higher-skilled, less automatable positions, such as those in technical or management roles.
A big part of the issue is that women are less likely to have access to the training and upskilling they need to get jobs that are easily replaceable. With women making up only 30% of workers in the STEM fields that are going to not only survive AI but also benefit from it so they are at an automatic advantage.
So what can women do to survive this AI crunch?
- Upskill/Reskill: Continuously update your skills, especially in areas that are less likely to be automated. Focus on developing expertise in fields that complement AI, such as data analysis, programming, and critical thinking.
- Always Keep Learning: Stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements. Engage in online courses, workshops, and certifications to remain competitive.
- Put an Emphasis on Soft Skills: Strengthen skills that AI struggles to replicate, like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving.
- Leverage Human-AI Collaboration: Position yourself in roles where you can work alongside AI, enhancing productivity and decision-making rather than being replaced by it.
- Seek New Opportunities: Look for emerging job roles and industries that are growing due to technological advancements, and consider pivoting to these areas for greater job security.
- Participate in AI and Tech Communities: Engage with communities and forums focused on AI and technology. This can provide insights into trends, opportunities for collaboration, and a platform to share knowledge.
- Understand AI Ethics and Implications: Being informed about these issues can position you as a thought leader in responsible AI use.
On the plus side a recent Psychology Today article titled “AI Is Not Coming for Your Job—Yet” reassures that while AI is making strides, it’s not about to take over jobs anytime soon. Right now, AI is great at handling specific tasks but still lacks the smarts for widespread job takeovers. Rather than wiping out roles, AI is more likely to change things up by automating repetitive tasks and freeing us up to tackle more creative and complex challenges. This shift could open doors to new job opportunities for women and enhance existing ones.
