A report from Cognizant suggests that more than half of the tasks performed by HR assistants and other popular entry-level jobs for college graduates could be automated or assisted by generative AI within a decade. Using data from over 1,000 jobs and Indeed’s list of “24 best jobs for college grads with no experience,” Cognizant projected the potential impact of generative AI on these positions by 2032.
Several entry-level roles, including proofreaders, copy editors, customer service representatives, sales representatives, HR assistants, administrative assistants, and auditors, are likely to be affected by automation or AI assistance. For instance, HR assistants could see 55% of their tasks automated or assisted by generative AI by 2032, while proofreaders could see 83% of their tasks performed by automation.
Kathy Diaz, Cognizant’s chief people officer, highlighted that generative AI can make human skill sets more valuable, encouraging talent to embrace new roles and become more versatile.
A previous report by Cognizant and Oxford Economics suggested that generative AI could significantly impact half of all jobs, particularly those involving knowledge work and roles related to computer programming, web development, database administration, and graphic design. As AI adoption increases, companies will need to undergo major overhauls of their business and operating models in the next three years.
Reskilling programs are essential to build a competitive advantage and brand reputation, supporting talent acquisition and retention efforts. The importance of reskilling may become an area of shareholder scrutiny, with investments and outcomes highlighted in public reporting.
However, the widespread adoption of generative AI may come with a “high human cost,” especially in industries like finance and insurance, professional services, and information systems. CHROs and colleagues may face disruptions as job roles change, potentially leading to workforce reductions, but also offering growth opportunities in learning and development.
Despite the potential benefits, employers remain divided on using generative AI for HR tasks due to legal concerns. A survey by Littler Mendelson found that most in-house lawyers, executives, and HR professionals expressed concerns about complying with data protection and information security laws. They also anticipated a moderate impact from regulatory bodies like the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board in the next year.
