Digitization hardly endangers jobs

In social and cultural services, there is little likelihood that professional activities will soon be performed by computers. This is shown in a study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).

Overall, 15 percent of employees subject to social insurance contributions in Germany are exposed to the risk that more than 70 percent of the activities within their occupation could be taken over by computers or computer-controlled machines.

In 40 percent of the occupations, less than 30 percent of the activities within the respective occupation could be automated. Overall, the results suggest that fears of a massive reduction in employment are currently unfounded, explain IAB researchers Katharina Dengler and Britta Matthes.

Not only would activities be eliminated, but new ones would also be created. In the overall balance, there could even be a positive employment effect. Within the professions, however, there will be major upheavals. It is crucial to design training programs in such a way that all trainees are familiarized with the latest technologies.