New report reveals what employees believe will be replaced by automation
The software developer role has been identified as the position that is most likely at risk of disappearing because of artificial intelligence tools, according to a new analysis.
The analysis, carried out by business services firm Honcho, looked into over 2,000 online comments by employees on Reddit discussions about entry-level roles.
It showed that one in five comments (20.57%) believe that entry-level roles for software developers are the most at risk of getting automated.
"I have no idea where the programmers of 2060 are going to come from, juniors just aren't even learning the skill," said one Reddit user, as quoted by Honcho.
Other office roles, such as customer service representatives (2.29%), secretaries (2.29%), and call centre agents (2.29%), also appeared in the list.
Miralda Ishkhanian, chief operating officer at Honcho, said the risk of entry-level work disappearing is a signal of real uncertainty about how traditional pathways may be narrowing.
"This doesn't mean these entry-level jobs will vanish overnight. But perception matters," said Ishkhanian in a statement. "If young people believe entry pathways are shrinking, it could influence what they study, the careers they pursue and how businesses build future talent pipelines."
Blue-collar roles also at risk
Notably, the report further found that entry-level positions for blue-collar roles, such as truck drivers (4.57%), engineers (4%), and electricians (2.86%), are also believed to be at risk.
"Robots with AI most certainly can unload a truck... AI isn't just some microchip in a box on a shelf. It's software that can be put into anything," one Reddit user said.
Another user pointed out that as AI automates white-collar jobs, more people would be shifting to blue-collar roles and impact the job market there.
"It just seems like there will soon be an oversupply of entry-level workers that can't get a job/apprenticeship, similar to what happened to tech," the Reddit user said.
This is a secondary effect of automation risk in workplaces, according to Ishkhanian.
"If people believe white-collar jobs are at risk, many may pivot towards trades and technical careers. That could create new competition and bottlenecks in industries that were previously seen as secure," the executive added.
Ishkhanian said their findings point to a workforce that's "worried" of how automation will impact entry-level employees' ability to learn the ropes.
"Even trade roles, such as electricians, are worried, because the automation of administrative or office roles could mean the labour market desperately seeks in-person roles that have a guaranteed pathway to lifelong employment, leading to a strained labour market," she added.
Reports are currently conflicted on whether AI is having an impact on employment, particularly on entry-level work, with some anticipating cuts and others expecting job creation.
But employers have been warned that carrying out hiring freezes and retrenchments because of AI's potential may lead to more risks instead of efficiencies.
