A new analysis shows that artificial intelligence may be able to take the weight off millions of workers by trimming the time it takes to finish routine tasks, without sacrificing quality or replacing people.
The study took a closer look at how work gets done in Chile’s most common occupations, breaking each job into individual tasks, and found that nearly half could be completed faster using generative AI. The study didn’t stop at job titles; instead, it looked under the hood at how work gets done, task by task. On average, close to 48% of those tasks were found to be suitable for AI-assisted acceleration.
This acceleration doesn’t mean automation in the traditional sense. It means tasks could be sped up, sometimes by half, while workers still stay in control. Think less slogging through paperwork and more time for meaningful work.
Time Is Money, and AI Saves Plenty
When researchers added up the potential value of that time savings across the labor force, it came out to nearly 12% of the entire economy. That figure reflects the labor hours that could be reclaimed if AI tools were widely and properly used.
Some jobs stood out more than others. Software developers topped the list, followed closely by public policy experts and data analysts. These roles often involve repetitive digital tasks, exactly the kind that generative AI handles best.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. Accountants, lawyers, engineers, and retail workers all showed significant room for gains. Teachers, too, could lighten their load. In many classrooms, especially where there's a staffing gap, trimming administrative work might free up time for lesson planning and student support.
Inside the Jobs AI Can Help With
In practical terms, the study showed that more than 4.7 million workers are in roles where at least 30% of their tasks could be accelerated. For roughly 1.2 million full-time jobs, that figure jumps above 60%. That includes high-effort, high-volume work like summarizing data, processing documents, or tracking budgets.
Some of the best early-use cases are hiding in plain sight. In government offices, for instance, thousands of roles involve document handling, form reviews, or data collection. AI could ease much of that grind. Analysts estimate that roles like these could bring in more than $1.1 billion in yearly productivity value if equipped with the right tools.
Smaller businesses also hold promise. These firms, which make up the backbone of employment, often juggle sales, support, and operations with lean teams. With smart use of AI, those teams could handle more without burning out. But getting there won’t be automatic. Many lack the digital infrastructure or training to use AI confidently, and bridging that gap is key.
Not All Jobs Are Built the Same
Manual roles, including construction and cleaning, show lower exposure to AI gains. These jobs rely more on physical labor or judgment that doesn’t translate well to software. Still, the picture isn't black and white. Some elements of those roles, like scheduling, reporting, or communication, might still see small improvements with AI in the mix.
Interestingly, income played a role too. Mid-level earners tended to benefit the most. The link between pay and AI readiness peaked in the middle tiers, then tapered off. Highly paid professionals like executives or physicians showed less acceleration potential, mostly because their work leans on human interaction, decision-making, or ethics, areas where AI still falls short.
A Measured Rollout Makes the Difference
The researchers recommended a phased rollout that starts with the easiest wins. Admin-heavy roles in education, local offices, and service businesses could offer early proof of concept. These jobs require little adjustment, and the tools to support them are already on the market.
Training, however, will be essential. That includes not only teaching people to use the tools, but also building up the kinds of skills that AI can’t replace, critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability.
In the long run, AI doesn’t need to overhaul the entire workplace overnight. But where the right groundwork is in place, it might just help people get more done without working more hours. And in many jobs, that shift can make a real difference.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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