Overview
The first study on chat-based AI’s impact in the workplace is out. It may feel like AI has been around for a long time—ChatGPT debuted in 2022 and we’re in 2025—but the effects on staffing are nuanced, and early headlines can be misleading.
What the study found
In short: little to no impact on the workforce. The broader implications may vary by industry and role, but the headline takeaway is that AI has not yet displaced broad headcount at scale.
On-the-ground reality
From my experience across hires and departures, AI is not yet at the point of replacing people en masse. It has, however, reduced the need to contract or outsource certain functions, particularly in data analysis, image generation, and copywriting.
Marketing and copywriting in the AI era
For general marketers, the ability to generate large volumes of Google and Meta ads—often as text—as well as rapid email copy and content, is gradually eroding some traditional roles. If you’re a copywriter today, you’ll likely feel the pinch eventually. This trend also affects outsourcing firms in developing nations that rely on copywriting and SEO work.
Transcription is another area where AI shines; it can transcribe voice recordings with impressive accuracy, reducing or eliminating the need for paid human transcription services.
Key takeaways
- AI is changing workflows, not instantly replacing humans.
- Outsourcing and contract work in analytics, writing, and transcription are under pressure.
- Tools like ChatGPT, Google Ads, and AI-powered transcription (e.g., Otter.ai) can boost productivity but also reshape job roles.