A Deep Dive into the Impact of Generative AI on Work in Chile

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)—that groundbreaking technology capable of creating images, videos, and text—has not only come to stay but is already revolutionizing the world of work. Its impact has sparked divided opinions: some envision a bright future filled with opportunities, while others foresee a grim scenario where only a select few benefit. 

However, one fundamental and undeniable fact is that the future is not predetermined, and AI is not something that simply “happens” to us. Its evolution is in our hands, and its impact will depend on the decisions we make—both in the public and private sectors. To shape this future effectively, it is crucial to base our decisions on precise diagnostics supported by real data that guide informed and responsible action. 

Engaging that process so as to understand where and how to leverage AI to boost public sector efficiency and enhance public policies around AI adoption in Chile has been the focus of my current period of leave-in-service from Stanford University with the National Productivity Commission, sponsored by the Ministry of Science of the Chilean government. 

In one of my main projects, working in collaboration across government, industry, and academia, I am engaged with a team exploring the impact of Generative AI on work in Chile. Over the course of the past year, we have conducted a study with the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and SOFOFA’s Future of Work Human Capital initiative, with support from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the National Training and Employment Service (SENCE).

Spoiler alert: The results reveal the immense potential of Generative AI to enhance efficiency, productivity, and job quality in Chile. 

Our study, based on cutting-edge research and unique data for Chile from the company Workhelix, delves deeply into the specifics. Instead of analyzing jobs broadly, we focused on the specific tasks that compose them, enabling us to capture the impact of Generative AI with greater precision. 

We began with the 100 most common occupations in Chile, representing 5.69 million workers—62% of the country’s workforce. We broke down each of these jobs into their component tasks, covering a total of many hundreds of tasks, and assessed whether Generative AI could significantly accelerate each one. We then aggregated the impacts at the job level and expanded the analysis to identify sector-wide trends. 

What emerged from this research is a detailed x-ray of the impact of Generative AI on the future of work in Chile—task by task, job by job—with striking results. Thanks to the use of Generative AI tools, approximately 4.7 million workers—nearly half of the country’s labor force—could significantly accelerate more than 30% of the tasks they routinely perform. To quantify this opportunity, if we could magically implement the identified accelerations immediately and at no cost, the value generated would equate to 12% of the national GDP.

Based on these findings, we propose a series of concrete actions to harness this potential. 

One immediate step is to capitalize on the low-hanging fruit by identifying tasks that can be quickly accelerated with readily available tools—many of which are free, such as ChatGPT—and that consume significant time or yield high value when optimized. According to our study, these tasks include data entry, computer programming, customer support, the creation of visualizations and reports, and information retrieval. Once these “quick wins” are achieved, the next step is to channel efforts toward innovations that require the development of specific tools tailored to the unique needs of each task.

Another key recommendation is to identify sectors where efforts should be prioritized, with the public sector being a major opportunity. Our study shows that approximately 31% of tasks performed by public sector employees could be accelerated using Generative AI, creating a historic opportunity to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and boost state productivity.

The education sector is another critical area to target. The data reveals that between 65% and 75% of the tasks performed by teachers—particularly administrative tasks—are suitable for automation or acceleration. This would free up time for educators to focus on what truly matters: teaching and fostering meaningful interactions with children and young people.

A third priority sector is small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The analysis shows that 44% of the tasks performed by workers in SMEs could be optimized, significantly enhancing their competitiveness and growth potential. 

We cannot overlook a critical aspect: ensuring workers are prepared for the effective adoption of these technologies. Successfully implementing Generative AI requires not only integrating it into workflows but also mastering the use of specific tools. This involves four essential elements.

• First, workers need to be familiarized with AI tools and Generative AI platforms to fully leverage their functionalities and improve productivity.
• Second, it is crucial to adopt, adapt, and locally develop AI tools tailored to specific use cases across different sectors, ensuring these technologies are relevant, effective, and aligned with the unique needs of each context.
• Third, training in irreplaceable human skills must be enhanced. This involves strengthening competencies that AI cannot replicate, such as human interaction, leadership, empathy, and soft skills. This effort should start in schools, fostering the development of critical thinking alongside other essential skills.
• Finally, professionals such as psychologists, physical therapists, and architects, among others, can delegate administrative tasks to AI, dedicating more time to relational and creative activities where human input is indispensable.

The message is clear: effectively harnessing the capacity of Generative AI  is not about replacing people but empowering them with these cognitive tools that will contribute to the future of Chile.