Author
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant promise or a science-fiction scenario: it is now driving a radical transformation of the labor market. As the World Economic Forum (Davos 2026) wrapped up its discussions on the “Great Reshuffle” of jobs, the conclusion is clear: the revolution is underway, but it threatens to leave part of the population behind.
Between record productivity gains and growing worker anxiety, how are Quebec and the rest of the world navigating this new paradigm?
The “Great Reshuffle”: staggering numbers
According to the latest projections presented at Davos, AI could eliminate 92 million jobs globally by 2030. But the picture isn’t entirely bleak: at the same time, AI is expected to create 170 million new jobs, yielding a net positive of nearly 78 million positions.
Eighty percent of workers—especially younger ones—believe AI will affect their jobs on a regular basis.
Yet on the ground, concern dominates. Nearly 60% of employees think AI will destroy more jobs than it creates, and 51% personally fear for their livelihoods.
Among younger generations, this sense of urgency is even stronger: 80% of workers believe AI will impact their daily work life, according to a Randstad survey.
The silent erosion of “junior” positions
One of the most critical issues raised this year at Davos concerns access to the job market for newcomers.
In both the U.S. and Canada, the share of young workers (ages 20–24) landing jobs in AI-exposed sectors has dropped since 2023.
Why? Because generative AI now handles many basic tasks—report writing, data entry, preliminary analysis—that once served as stepping stones for interns and recent graduates.
The risk is the emergence of an “experience gap,” where newcomers can no longer find an entry point to build their careers.
The “AI premium”: toward a new work aristocracy?
The labor market is becoming binary. On one side, repetitive roles face downward pressure. On the other, a new elite of hybrid workers is emerging:
-
Massive added value: Workers with AI skills enjoy an average salary premium of 56% over equivalent roles.
-
Exploding demand: Job postings requiring AI skills are growing 38% faster than the market average.
As many managed security experts point out, AI does not replace humans—but humans who master AI replace those who ignore these tools.
The comeback of “soft skills”
Paradoxically, the more capable machines become, the more “pure” human skills regain value. In the face of automation, three pillars stand out to remain competitive:
-
Critical thinking: The ability to validate, nuance, and correct what AI produces.
-
Strategic creativity: Bringing original sparks and judgment that algorithms can only simulate.
-
Emotional intelligence: Jobs in caregiving, crisis management, and human negotiation remain bulwarks against automation.
How not to let inequalities win
To prevent a major social divide, leaders at Davos are calling for urgent measures:
-
Mass retraining: It is estimated that 40% of workers will need additional training by 2027.
-
Social safety nets and public policy: Leaders like Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan) stress the need to support displaced workers to avoid economic instability.
-
Corporate responsibility: Implementing internal training programs is no longer a luxury—it is a condition of survival to retain top talent.
The era of adaptability
In 2026, AI’s impact on employment is a tangible reality—both disruptive and opportunity-generating. Success no longer depends on past achievements, but on the ability to reinvent oneself in a world where agility has become the ultimate skill.
