Artificial Intelligence and the Future of White-Collar Work

Artificial intelligence is not limited to low-skill roles; it is now poised to affect white-collar professions as well. Saurabh Mukherjea, the founder of Marcellus Investment Managers, has pointed out that even positions like his are at risk of being automated.

The Rise of AI in Repetitive Knowledge Work

During a recent podcast with iNRI, Mukherjea issued a significant alert: areas of repetitive knowledge work—including coding, financial modelling, HR activities, and equity research—are rapidly becoming outdated due to the evolution of AI technologies. He remarked that repetitive tasks are highly vulnerable, stating that AI is capable of performing them more cost-effectively.

Adapting to Stay Relevant

Mukherjea has begun to modify his role to remain competitive in the changing landscape. His current efforts are centred on tasks that cannot be automated, such as writing books, launching new ventures, speaking at international conferences, and seeking out new market opportunities.

He believes that the continued relevance of professionals like him will depend on their ability to engage in activities that AI is unable to replicate.

Impact on India’s Workforce

While the adoption of AI may alleviate labour shortages in regions like Europe, Japan, and parts of the United States, Mukherjea warned that India could confront a much steeper challenge. He indicated that approximately 40 million middle-class jobs in India are endangered, identifying the rise of AI as “probably the defining challenge for India over the next decade.”

Economy at Risk

This warning coincides with growing apprehension that India’s service-oriented economy, which relies heavily on skilled yet repetitive tasks, may be particularly exposed. Positions in IT services, credit and insurance underwriting, extensive equity research, and basic HR functions are all regarded as at risk of being automated.

Urgent Response Needed

Mukherjea’s commentary—a perspective typically focused on long-term investments and economic reform—underscores the pressing need for India’s workforce and governmental policies to react effectively. As AI technology advances, the key to job security may lie in becoming irreplaceable.