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AI Set to Reshape Jobs, Not Erase Them, Occupational Health Study Warns

Researchers from Imperial College and Microsoft urge employers to quantify AI oversight to prevent hidden workload and stress.

Overview

  • An article in Occupational Medicine concludes AI is unlikely to trigger immediate mass layoffs but will shift human work toward supervising, validating and steering AI systems.
  • The researchers warn of growing role ambiguity, with tasks like briefing AI agents and checking for hallucinations adding time, complexity and potential mental‑health pressures.
  • They recommend employers measure and include AI supervision duties in job design to avoid hidden workloads that could negate expected productivity gains.
  • The report cites evidence that some AI tools can slow work, including a 2024 study on developers, and flags possible downward pressure on pay even as responsibilities increase.
  • Context in the UK includes government-backed AI growth zones and investment, while the authors note potential benefits such as reducing hazardous tasks and supporting neurodivergent workers.