The Future of Remote Work: AI's Impact on Computer-Based Jobs

The comfort of work-from-home (WFH) or remote jobs could soon be disrupted by artificial intelligence (AI), according to Shane Legg, chief artificial general intelligence (AGI) scientist and co-founder of Google DeepMind.

Speaking with British Professor Hannah Fry, Legg outlined a thumb rule that suggests many remote, computer-based roles could be taken over by AI, potentially ending many WFH positions.

How AI Could Transform Remote Work

Legg explained: "If you can do the job remotely over the internet, just using a laptop, then it's probably very much cognitive work. If you're in that category, I think that advanced AI will be able to operate in that space to some extent."

He added that companies may soon realize that AI can deliver results equal to or better than human teams, prompting rapid downsizing of remote workforces.

Specific Examples of AI Disruption

Legg gave software engineering as a prime example of a role that could be partially replaced by AI. He predicted that teams of 100 developers could shrink to just 20, with AI handling most of the workload.

"In a few years, where prior you needed 100 software engineers, maybe you need 20, and those 20 use advanced AI tools," he said.

Which Remote Jobs Might Survive?

However, Legg noted that some cognitive roles where a "human aspect" is involved could be protected from these disruptions.

"Let's say you are an influencer, and you work remotely. The fact that you are a particular person with a particular personality and people know the person behind the job, then that may be valuable in many cases," Legg explained.

The Potential Benefits and Challenges

Despite the potential disruption, Legg also suggested that AI could unlock a 'real golden age' of productivity. Machines could take over repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more meaningful work.

However, he cautioned that society will face a major challenge in ensuring displaced workers are supported and that the benefits of AI are shared fairly across the workforce.