The conversation around AI often sparks fear—especially when people claim it is “taking away jobs.” But should we see it this way?
Roles like cashiers, factory workers, drivers, cleaners, and repetitive administrative positions involve tasks that are exhausting and physically demanding. Is it wrong to think that such tasks could be automated to give people a chance to focus on less draining work?
In Mauritius, our workforce is already shrinking due to demographic trends. So, how will we fill these operational roles when there aren’t enough young people entering the job market? Isn’t it time we think of a Plan B?
AI is not just about replacing jobs—it’s about transforming them.
For instance,
- Cashiers can manage self-checkout systems while focusing on customer experience.
- Factory workers or cleaners can learn to operate and maintain robots rather than perform repetitive tasks.
- Drivers can shift into fleet management or logistics roles as autonomous vehicles evolve.
- Administrative workers can use AI tools to move beyond paperwork and focus on decision-making and strategy.
Yes, the workforce will shrink as AI grows—but isn’t this already happening ? We have seen this pattern before: during the industrial revolution and the mechanization of agriculture/construction, machines replaced back-breaking work. Farmers and workers didn’t see mechanization as a curse; they welcomed it because it enabled bigger harvests, larger construction projects, and new opportunities.
I think that the key is not to fight AI, but to embrace and adapt. Reskilling and upskilling will ensure that workers move into safer, less repetitive, and more meaningful roles. Governments and companies need to invest in training programs that help people work with AI rather than fear it.
AI is not the enemy—it’s a tool. Whether it becomes a blessing or a curse depends on how we choose to use it.