Workers around the world are seeing big changes as AI agents become common in offices, factories, and stores. In the United States, entry-level jobs are shrinking fast. A major study found 40% of companies plan to reduce roles that involve repetitive tasks, like data entry or basic customer service, because AI can do them cheaper and faster. This is making it harder for young workers, especially recent graduates, to find their first jobs. Nearly half of Gen Z job seekers feel their college degrees are less useful now that AI can handle tasks that once required human workers.

Salary cuts are another concern. Some companies are offering lower pay for jobs where AI handles parts of the work. For example, a marketing assistant might now use AI tools to write emails, leading employers to pay less for that role. At the same time, workers who adapt to AI are seeing new opportunities. Bank of America reported that over 90% of its global workforce uses AI daily to analyze data faster, improve client service, and reduce errors.

High-risk jobs like cashiers, factory workers, and truck drivers face the biggest threats. Experts predict self-driving trucks could replace many drivers in the next 20 years, though the public is less convinced this will happen quickly. Even skilled jobs aren’t safe – about one-third of AI experts think there will be fewer lawyers as machines take over tasks like document review.

On the positive side, AI is helping workers focus on creative problem-solving and relationship-building. Companies using tools like ChatGPT for drafting reports say employees now spend more time brainstorming ideas and less time on boring tasks. Workday’s research found that 83% of leaders believe AI will boost creativity in their teams. Skills like empathy, teamwork, and moral judgment are becoming more valuable as AI handles technical work.

Global competition is heating up too. Many US firms are expanding operations in India, where they can hire AI-trained workers for lower wages. This shift is putting pressure on office workers worldwide to prove their value beyond what machines can do.

Governments are starting to set rules for AI in the workplace. Nearly half of managers expect new laws to encourage responsible AI use while protecting jobs. As one expert put it, “AI won’t take your job – but someone using AI might.” Workers who embrace these tools for tasks like scheduling or data analysis seem likely to thrive in this new era.