AI makes workers ‘more valuable, not less,’ according to new report

Artificial intelligence (AI) has stirred up a storm of debate in recent years, with many fearing that advancements in this technology could lead to widespread job losses and diminishing wages. However, a recent report by PwC titled the 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer paints a different picture, arguing that AI actually enhances the value of workers rather than diminishes it. This report emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in the workplace and highlights the necessity for workers to adapt to new job conditions.

PwC’s Global Chief AI Officer, Joe Atkinson, noted in an interview that the rapid pace of technological innovation is often what triggers anxiety among workers. "The reality is that the tech innovation is moving really, really fast. It’s moving at a pace that we’ve never seen in a tech innovation before," Atkinson stated. Contrary to common fears, he asserted that AI is not only creating new jobs but also ensuring that wages are on the rise. The report revealed that jobs and wages are improving in almost every sector that is subject to AI exposure, including areas that are considered highly automatable, like customer service and software development.

Carol Stubbings, PwC’s Global Chief Commercial Officer, remarked on this trend by stating, "We know that every time we have an industrial revolution, there are more jobs created than lost." While it is true that workers may need to adopt new skills for these emerging roles, the expectation is that jobs will remain plentiful. The challenges lie more in preparing workers for the new landscape rather than a lack of available positions.

The 2025 AI Jobs Barometer report is significant in its analysis, having scrutinized over 800 million job advertisements and evaluated thousands of company financial reports from six continents. The findings directly challenge multiple myths surrounding AI’s impact on the workforce:

1. Productivity:
While some argue that AI has yet to show a marked impact on productivity, the report found that productivity growth in sectors best suited for AI integration has nearly quadrupled since 2022. In contrast, industries less exposed to AI, such as physical therapy, have experienced a slight decline in productivity.

2. Wages:
The myth that AI will negatively affect wages is discredited by the data revealing that workers skilled in AI are earning, on average, 56% more than their counterparts without such skills—an increase from 25% just a year ago. Wages in AI-exposed fields are rising at nearly double the rate of those in other sectors.

3. Job Numbers:
Contrary to fears that AI will lead to a drastic reduction in jobs, the report indicates strong job growth in both low AI exposure occupations and those more susceptible to technology. From 2019 to 2024, jobs in lesser-exposed roles grew by 65%, while those in more exposed categories still witnessed a healthy growth rate of 38%.

4. Inequality:
The report also addresses concerns that AI may widen inequality gaps. Instead, it found employment opportunities and wages are rising even for roles that can be augmented or automated by AI. Notably, the demand for formal degrees is declining more rapidly in AI-exposed fields, thus creating opportunities for a broader range of candidates.

5. Skills:
There’s a misconception that AI will "deskill" jobs. On the contrary, the report suggests that AI can elevate automatable jobs by relieving workers of mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on higher-level functions. For instance, data entry clerks may transition into roles as data analysts.

6. Automation:
The notion that AI diminishes the value of highly automatable jobs is also debunked. Wages continue to rise for such roles, and the nature of work is evolving to include more complex and creative elements, ultimately enhancing employee worth.

The study also pointed out that in some countries witnessing declining working-age populations, a moderated job growth in AI-exposed industries could be beneficial. The productivity gained from AI can create a "multiplier effect," filling gaps that companies struggle to address due to workforce shortages.

Atkinson summarized this sentiment well: "The productivity data we’re seeing supports that this could be a good thing." The implication is clear: instead of perceiving AI as a tool for mere efficiency, it should be embraced as a strategy for growth and innovation.

Crucially, the report calls for a shift in mindset among companies: "It is critical to avoid the trap of low ambition. Instead of limiting our focus to automating yesterday’s jobs, let’s create the new jobs and industries of the future." This perspective urges businesses to harness AI as a means of sparking new opportunities rather than merely cutting costs.

Ultimately, the PwC report reinforces the value of AI in enhancing worker skills, creating new jobs, and bolstering productivity rather than dismantling it. With a focus on adapting to new roles and embracing the changes brought about by technological advancements, workers can view AI as an ally in their professional development.

As we navigate the rapidly changing job landscape, it’s vital for individuals and organizations alike to remain open-minded towards these technological advancements. By doing so, they can collectively foster a future where AI serves as not just an efficiency tool, but a catalyst for unprecedented job creation and workforce empowerment. Embracing this change is not just about survival—it’s about thriving in the new era.

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