Artificial intelligence, the profession of the future, is already ready
They may not be visible to the naked eye, yet their presence is real, quietly shaping daily life as citizens and workers. Banks rely on algorithms to assess risk, city councils deploy thousands to decide on loans or benefits, and companies use machine intelligence to choose between candidates. Anna Ginès, Esade professor and AI adviser to the Ministry of Labour, notes that there is far more we know about these systems than we can see in action, even as much remains hidden from public view.
As AI becomes a normalized tool across everyday activities including the job market, businesses deploy it to measure productivity, guide production processes, and even determine how much wages should rise. The field is filled with automated decision systems that influence outcomes, yet reliable, independent guidance remains scarce. Various sources cited in this report show a handful of key experts who advise on these decisions, while many resources exist to influence how workplaces operate using algorithms.
Artificial intelligence, the profession of the future, is already ready
In delivery operations, order tracking and geolocation powered by AI are common tools that help management monitor performance across the supply chain. A notable example is Telepizza, which faced a controversial attempt in 2021 to implement such monitoring. The courts deemed the approach overly invasive and blocked it. In contrast, Amazon employs sensors in its warehouses; the data collected informs managers about redistributing tasks to balance workloads along the production line. These cases illustrate how AI can steer efficiency and planning in real-time, even if the implementation stirs debate about privacy and consent.
Artificial intelligence is present beyond giants of tech. Everyday voices—Alexa from Amazon, Siri from Apple, and Cortana from Microsoft—are familiar companions in many workplaces. Some services even track how employees spend their time, including how long they use facilities, a practice discussed in national audiences in 2021. The point is not merely the technology itself but how it becomes embedded in daily routines and supervisory practices.
The advent of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our lives
Whenever a candidate browses Infojobs or any other employment platform, they participate in an algorithmic process that makes finding and being found for work more efficient. The AI used by staffing agencies is part of the value they offer to clients, helping a changing labor market connect the right talent with the right roles. Employers dedicated to delivering high-quality services in an increasingly specialized market rely on these tools to stay competitive. Assempleo, the association of employers in the temporary employment sector, emphasizes that adaptable solutions will define success in this evolving landscape.
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Discrimination can hide behind the veneer of technological neutrality. Not getting hired or promoted because of age, gender, or ethnicity is a risk when automated decisions rely on biased data. A notable case from Bologna, the so‑called Deliveroo decision, highlighted how some algorithms could marginalize workers less adept at delivering tasks. In response, the Asempleo employers’ association promotes ethical guidelines among partners to reduce such biases and safeguard fair treatment in workplaces.
Spain accelerates AI deployment
Uncontrolled use of workplace algorithms can lead to greater workloads and amplified inequalities. Rather than closing gaps, biased experiences can be reinforced if decisions rely on imperfect data. Privacy concerns rise when profiles are built to support decisions that workers have little opportunity to influence. Daniel Cruz, head of analytics and digital transformation at CCOO de Catalunya, warns about the risk of escalating disparities without proper governance. He notes that we are still in early stages of regulating AI in work settings.
European data protection rules require organizations to disclose when fully automated decisions are made. Yet experts argue for stronger measures, such as certified audit seals to distinguish audited algorithms and ensure they do not generate discriminatory bias. Even with a human behind the process, visibility into where and how algorithms are used remains essential to assess their fairness. As Ginès explains, it is crucial to understand which areas employ AI in daily decisions so evaluation is possible and meaningful. Without time for review, managers may default to the algorithm’s verdict, underscoring the need for transparency about the number and nature of deployed algorithms in day-to-day decisions.