Office workers appear to be the group most affected by AI in the workplace, according to a new statement published on the official site of the International Labour Organization (ILO) [ILO].
Research indicates that about a quarter of office tasks could be fully automated by productive AI systems, while roughly half of tasks could be partially managed by AI. In this context, managers face less threat from neural networks, with only about a quarter of their duties at potential risk [ILO].
The ILO emphasizes that the influence of artificial intelligence on office employment is more likely to take the form of job transformation rather than outright elimination. Productivity gains are expected to reduce labor intensity, yet workers may enjoy greater autonomy and opportunities to shape how work is done, underscoring a shift toward more autonomous, knowledge-based roles [ILO].
Across developed, high-income economies, the study finds only about 5.5% of jobs could be significantly affected by AI, while in lower-income regions the figure drops to around 0.4%. The disparity highlights how the adoption of AI tools interacts with existing economic structures, skill levels, and workplace practices [ILO].
Earlier statements from the Russian government claimed that AI implementation in 2023 would enable substantial fiscal savings, with estimates reaching 400 billion rubles. This perspective reflects a national policy focus on digital automation, even as broader international assessments stress the need for careful management of workforce transitions and investment in retraining [ILO].
For Canada and the United States, these findings align with a broader trend: automation technologies are reshaping office work, not just eliminating roles but redefining them. Firms are increasingly integrating AI to handle repetitive tasks, analyze data more efficiently, and support decision-making, while human workers focus on complex problem solving, collaboration, and creative input. The result is a workplace landscape where roles evolve, requiring new skill sets and ongoing learning [ILO].
Industry experts note that successful AI adoption hinges on strategic workforce planning, targeted training, and transparent change management. Organizations that invest in upskilling and reskilling can accelerate productivity gains while preserving job quality and employee engagement. The emphasis is on augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them, which helps maintain morale and trust amid transitions [ILO].
From a Canadian and American perspective, policymakers and employers are increasingly mindful of the social implications of automation. Initiatives that support career pathways, lifelong learning, and portable credentials help workers adapt to evolving demands. At the same time, businesses benefit from greater operational efficiency, enhanced data insights, and the ability to deploy AI responsibly across administrative functions, finance, human resources, and customer service [ILO].
This evolving dynamic underlines the importance of measuring impact not only by job counts but by changes in job content, autonomy, and the quality of work. As automation scales, the focus shifts to designing roles that maximize human judgment and empathy—areas where AI cannot fully substitute human capability—while enabling machines to shoulder routine, rule-based tasks [ILO].
In summary, the ILO’s analysis presents a cautious yet hopeful outlook for office work. AI is expected to transform many tasks, improve efficiency, and empower workers with greater control over their workflow. The key to a successful transition lies in proactive investment in training, ethical deployment of technology, and policies that support workers as they adapt to a rapidly changing environment [ILO].