AI could reshape jobs rapidly, Goldman Sachs says 25 percent of work hours at risk: Here’s what it means

A Goldman Sachs report warns that artificial intelligence could rapidly transform the job market, with as much as 25 percent of global work hours potentially at risk, highlighting major shifts workers and businesses may soon face.

Written by Tech Desk

Updated: January 20, 2026 22:53 IST

AI could reshape jobs rapidly, Goldman Sachs says 25 percent of work hours at risk: Here’s what it means

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving fast, and it may soon change how millions of people work. According to a new report by investment bank Goldman Sachs, AI could automate around 25 percent of all work hours in the near future. This has raised concerns about job losses, especially in office-based roles.

Which Jobs Are Most at Risk?

The report says that white-collar jobs are more likely to be affected first. These include roles where tasks are repetitive and based on data or rules. Jobs in areas like basic coding, data entry, accounting, legal research and administrative work could see big changes because AI can already perform many of these tasks quickly and accurately.

However, this does not mean entire jobs will disappear overnight. In many cases, AI will take over parts of a job, not the whole role. Humans may still be needed to supervise, make decisions and handle creative or complex work.

AI Can Also Boost Productivity

While the idea of automation sounds worrying, the report also highlights the positive side. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could increase overall work productivity by up to 15 percent. This means companies could produce more work in less time, which may help economic growth in the long run.

History shows that new technology often replaces some jobs but also creates new ones. For example, many jobs we have today did not exist decades ago. In the same way, AI could lead to new careers in areas like AI management, system training, creative fields and technology support.

Short-Term Job Losses Are Possible

The transition will not be smooth for everyone. The report warns that there could be a temporary rise in unemployment as people adjust to these changes. Some workers may need time to learn new skills or move into different roles. At its peak, unemployment could rise slightly before settling again as new opportunities appear.

Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

Experts believe that the key to handling this shift is reskilling and education. Workers who learn how to work with AI, rather than compete against it, will have better chances in the future job market. Governments and companies will also need to support training programs to help people adapt.