Fully remote workers are at the highest risk of being replaced by AI, a Stanford professor says

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is posing significant challenges and opportunities for the workforce, particularly for remote and hybrid workers. Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University, warns that fully remote roles, especially those that are repetitive and don’t require in-person interaction, are at the highest risk of being replaced by AI.

Bloom’s latest research indicates that 10% of the American and Northern European workforce comprises fully remote workers. However, he also highlights the potential for AI to enhance the productivity of hybrid workers, who represent 30% of the workforce. The ongoing debate revolves around the extent to which AI can automate various job functions, with generative tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT being increasingly influential.

Goldman Sachs predicts that AI tools could impact up to 300 million full-time jobs worldwide, primarily affecting white-collar workers. Roles such as computer hardware engineers, paralegals, accountants, and auditors are identified as the most vulnerable to AI disruption. In contrast, jobs requiring physical labor and specialized skills, such as repair services, hospitality, agriculture, and healthcare, are deemed to be less susceptible to AI replacement.