Why Female Workers Face AI’s Biggest Risk – and What They Should Do Now

Recent research on artificial intelligence (AI) and careers is not good news for millions of American women.

According to a recent report from the Brookings Institution and the Center for the Governance of AI, employees in clerical and administrative positions face the greatest risk of AI disruption.

And of the roughly 6 million workers who may have the hardest time adjusting to AI-related job losses, 86% are women.

The most vulnerable occupations

Here are some of the women’s jobs that face the critical combination of high AI exposure and low flexibility, according to the analysis:

• Secretaries and administrative assistants (96% women)
• Clerks of courts and municipalities (85% women)
• Payroll and timekeeping clerks (89% women)

These are positions where technology has already displaced the tasks that humans used to handle. AI simply represents the latest wave of disruption.

However, about 70% of workers in roles exposed by AI are likely to move into paying positions if they are made redundant, the researchers found.

The catch is that successful transitions often occur among workers in fields such as sales, finance and science, which often have many technical and managerial roles that require a variety of skills.

Marketing managers, financial analysts and web designers show high AI exposure, but they are in a better position to adapt because their jobs require different skills.

How to step up and protect your job

Workers who can combine literacy and multi-skills will find themselves in a better position no matter how sophisticated AI becomes.

The smartest move right now might be expanding your skill set rather than doubling down on efficiency in your current role. Learn the basics of project management and data analysis tools. Understand how AI systems actually work so you can use them better.

Career pivots sound expensive, but many resources exist for workers who can’t afford traditional education.

Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Google Career certifications offer free or affordable courses in fields such as digital marketing, IT support and project management. Many public libraries provide free access to these platforms.

Many community colleges have accelerated certificate programs designed for working adults. Look specifically at courses in information literacy, business software and human resource management. These skills complement management experience while enabling you to adapt.

Ignore internal opportunities as well. If your employer uses AI tools, volunteer to be part of the rollout team. Being someone who understands both technology and the human processes it replaces makes you invaluable.

Turn a threat into an opportunity

Ben May, director of global research at Oxford Economics, noted in a recent report that as of now, there is little evidence that firms are replacing large numbers of workers with AI.

He expressed doubt that AI will significantly suppress unemployment in the coming years, saying, “We doubt that firms can quickly and seamlessly replace workers with AI even in sectors where the potential for AI disruption is greatest.”

That means you have time, but not unlimited time. Start preparing now. Build skills and position yourself as an enabler of emerging technologies instead of an opponent.