AI Will Replace Full-Time Careers for Some in 2025: Experts Weigh In
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the global workforce in 2025, with predictions suggesting that AI will replace certain full-time careers, increase reliance on the gig economy, and transform recruitment processes. While fears of widespread job loss loom, experts emphasize that AI offers opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and new employment models.
AI’s Workforce Impact: Disruption or Enhancement?
AI has transitioned from a looming threat to an integral tool for improving efficiency. According to Jae Gardner, Director of Operations at Redrob, AI will not necessarily lead to mass unemployment. Instead, it is expected to expand workforces globally by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently. Gardner highlights the emergence of AI Avatars, which are predicted to assist in daily tasks by 2025, as a key example of AI augmenting human efforts rather than replacing them entirely.
However, Marais Bester, a consultant at SHL, cautions that AI-driven efficiencies could reduce the need for full-time employees. Companies may increasingly prefer hiring specialized freelancers or gig workers for specific projects, ranging from a few weeks to several years.
The Rise of the Gig Economy
The gig economy is expected to grow significantly as AI reshapes traditional employment models. Gardner predicts that the shift toward contract-based work will prompt governments to revise labor laws and protections for gig workers. The flexibility offered by freelancing appeals to both employers and employees, but it comes with challenges such as job security and benefits.
Bester underscores that as technology reduces the demand for permanent roles, organizations will focus on hiring individuals with niche skills for short-term assignments. This trend could fundamentally alter the structure of corporate employment, driving innovation in labor laws and hiring practices.
AI in Recruitment: Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition
AI is set to transform recruitment processes by automating assessments, enhancing interviews, and improving candidate feedback mechanisms. Close to 70% of employers plan to integrate AI-based tools into hiring, which will help filter out applicants using AI dishonestly while enhancing the experience for genuine candidates.
Sara Gutierrez, Chief Science Officer at SHL, predicts that AI-driven assessments will bring greater personalization and interactivity, benefiting both employers and candidates. Feedback provided during interviews will be more tailored, making the recruitment process more engaging.
Felix Kim, CEO of Redrob, describes AI-powered recruiting as the defining story of 2025. Structured digital interviews, supported by metrics like engagement and communication dynamics, are anticipated to improve hiring outcomes while addressing inefficiencies in traditional methods.
Cultural Shifts: Embracing AI
Beyond technological adoption, embracing AI requires a shift in workplace culture. Andy Bradshaw, CEO of SHL, emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning among employees. Organizations must encourage workers to view AI as a productivity tool rather than a threat, enabling them to drive innovation.
Bradshaw predicts that companies will need to balance small-scale experimentation with broader initiatives to build an AI-ready culture. Leaders play a pivotal role in guiding teams to leverage AI ethically and effectively.
Addressing Ethical and Regulatory Concerns
As AI becomes more prevalent, calls for regulation are intensifying. Bester stresses the need for oversight to ensure ethical use of AI in hiring, confidentiality, and preventing misuse by candidates seeking unfair advantages. Governments are likely to implement policies that regulate AI usage while safeguarding individual rights.
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Bradshaw adds that the demand for technical AI skills will rise, but behavioral skills—such as the ability to recognize opportunities for AI-driven improvements—will also become essential. He predicts that the fear of AI will diminish as familiarity grows, making these skills highly valuable in the job market.
Leadership in the AI Era
AI’s integration into workplaces demands a redefinition of leadership. Instead of controlling information, leaders must guide teams to use AI effectively, ethically, and innovatively. Bradshaw encourages leaders to stay curious and informed about AI developments, both within their organizations and across industries.
Conclusion: Navigating the AI-Driven Future
While AI is set to replace certain full-time careers, it also offers pathways for innovation, efficiency, and growth. The workforce of 2025 will likely see a blend of permanent employees, freelancers, and AI-driven tools working together. Success will hinge on fostering a culture of adaptability, implementing ethical practices, and leveraging AI to amplify human potential.
