May 19, 2023, Toronto
Based on the International Labour Conference's Centenary Declaration (International Labour Organization, 2019) and the Global Commission report on the Future of Work (International Labour Organization, 2019), as well as recent advances in AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Bard, the future of work is at an exciting crossroads.
The "human-centred approach" of the ILO's Centenary Declaration advocates for increasing investment in people’s capabilities, institutions of work, and decent and sustainable work. The report further calls on all Member States to ensure that all people benefit from the changing world of work and that there is adequate protection for all workers.
Similarly, the Global Commission report on the Future of Work highlights the transformational challenges due to artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics leading to job losses as skills become obsolete. Yet, it also proposes a universal labour guarantee, lifelong learning, managing technological change to boost decent work, and reshaping business incentives to encourage long-term investments.
Looking at the impact of large language models like ChatGPT and Bard (Forbes, 2023), we see that these technologies are creating paradigm-shifting opportunities by redefining how we accumulate, organize, and disseminate knowledge-based information. The hybrid human/AI mix offers exciting possibilities for the future of work, and the advent of productivity-enhancing generative AI tools could have significant implications for various job sectors.
However, the rapid development of AI technologies also brings potential challenges, including job losses, biased responses, and usage for malicious propaganda. Nevertheless, new technologies have historically created jobs to replace the ones obsoleted, and it is expected that this pattern will continue with AI technologies.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, here are some recommendations for workers to deal with this new reality:
- Embrace lifelong learning: Continual upskilling and reskilling will be crucial to stay relevant in the AI-dominated work environment.
- Leverage AI tools: Use AI technologies like ChatGPT and Bard to automate time-consuming tasks and accelerate the delivery of work products.
- Focus on human-centric skills: While AI can take over certain tasks, there are skills, such as creativity, empathy, and problem-solving, that remain uniquely human.
- Advocate for worker rights: As the world of work changes, ensuring the protection of fundamental workers’ rights becomes even more important.
- Participate in social dialogue: Governments, trade unions, and employers need to work together to make economies and labour markets more inclusive.
In conclusion, the intersection of AI and the future of work presents both challenges and opportunities. While the road ahead may seem daunting, by embracing change, continuously learning, and working collectively, we can navigate this new era of work and harness the potential of AI technologies to create a more inclusive and prosperous future.
International Labour Organization. (2019). ILO centenary declaration for the future of work, 2019. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Conference, 108th Session. https://www.ilo.org
Forbes. (2023). The Impact of ChatGPT and Bard on the Future of Work. https://www.forbes.com