Are Businesses Ready for Generative AI?Are Businesses Ready for Generative AI?

Generative AI is expected to reshape 90% of jobs in the next decade

Ollie O’Donoghue, Head of Cognizant Research

January 17, 2025

4 Min Read
A team using generative AI
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What do an architect, an artist and a mathematician have in common? The rise of AI will likely change how all of them do their jobs. Cognizant research suggests that generative AI will impact 90% of jobs to some degree over the next decade.

However, this doesn’t mean humans will be replaced; instead, generative AI is becoming a powerful productivity tool that redefines roles and unlocks new opportunities for businesses. To successfully navigate this significant transformation, business leaders need to take proactive measures to integrate AI strategically and support their workforce through this change.

Redefining Roles and Opening New Doors

Jobs heavily reliant on data input and management – such as statistical assistants, administrative support and data entry workers – are particularly vulnerable to disruption as generative AI continues to advance. These positions, which have already been historically affected by other technological advancements such as automation, face further transformation as AI increasingly handles their core value-driven tasks.

However, many other professions with high exposure to generative AI are using it to enhance their work. For example, financial analysts are using generative AI to supplement their work through customized analytics. Meanwhile, senior executives are using generative AI tools to perform tasks such as market trend analysis and simulated scenario planning to support their decision-making. These roles won’t necessarily disappear from the labor market. Instead, embracing generative AI will function as a new toolbox to support their work and drive up productivity.

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Traditionally, roles such as data analysts have depended heavily on technical expertise. However, generative AI is reshaping these roles, making them accessible to professionals with diverse skill sets, such as strong communication abilities and creativity, by taking on much of the data-crunching. As generative AI increasingly handles these technical tasks the demand for individuals with ‘soft’ skills - such as creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication—will grow, as the focus shifts toward interpreting AI insights and driving human-centric strategies.

These new capabilities can also lower the barriers of entry to certain professions, in some cases allowing entry-level workers to perform at levels previously reserved for more experienced colleagues. For example, customer experience representatives can use AI-driven insights to replicate the service quality of more experienced colleagues.

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Balancing Tech With the Human Touch

While it's tempting to imagine a futuristic version of the world where human labor is automated by AI in its entirety, the reality is likely to be far more nuanced. Human interaction carries an intrinsic value that technology cannot replace. Society often finds a balance between the advantages that technology brings and the desire for human connection and analog interactions. The ideal level of automation differs significantly depending on the industry, shaped by both operational demands and consumer preferences.

For example, factories can achieve remarkable efficiency through high levels of automation and the use of robots and AI to optimize production lines. However, industries such as hospitality will rely on the human touch to deliver meaningful experiences. Each industry should ultimately find its own balance, embracing automation where it makes sense while preserving the human element crucial to success.

Notably, even before recent advances in AI, it’s been possible to automate large elements of the modern economy, including processes in restaurants and other leisure environments. In most cases, these industries have resisted full automation, driven not just by cost considerations but by the clear preference of consumers for authentic, human-centered interactions.

Guiding Businesses Into an Ai-Driven World

It would be a mistake to believe that generative AI, and AI as a whole, will not be the reason that some jobs disappear. However, the long-term impact of AI on the workforce will largely depend on the rate and scale of AI adoption by businesses, which is subject to factors like costs, regulatory intricacies, and availability of talent; all of which remain significant hurdles for many organizations.

Business leaders will need to develop a strategy that balances innovation and purpose and get a clear picture of how AI will impact roles across their businesses. This involves identifying areas where AI can complement human roles to maximize value, as well as pinpointing areas where skilling and development programs need to be implemented to help their workforce navigate these new ways of working. Embracing a proactive approach to AI integration will be key to ensuring this new era of productivity serves the economy, workers and society at large.

Looking Into the Future

As generative AI continues to fuel workforce change, its impact will be shaped by the decisions business leaders make. To turn disruption into opportunity, business leaders must embrace generative AI as a tool for productivity whilst finding the right equilibrium between automation and human interaction.

About the Author

Ollie O’Donoghue

Head of Cognizant Research, Cognizant Research

Ollie O’Donoghue is head of Cognizant Research.

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