At Anna Maher Recruitment, we’ve spent years helping businesses and recruiters navigate change, and one question we’re hearing more than ever is: which roles are safe from AI, and which are at risk?
Understanding this balance helps businesses plan their workforce strategy and helps recruiters focus on where human skills still make the biggest difference.
Jobs More at Risk of AI Takeover
Jobs that rely on repetitive, predictable tasks or data-heavy processes are naturally more vulnerable to automation. Examples include:
Data entry and administration – AI can handle large volumes of data faster and more accurately than humans.
Basic customer service – Chatbots and automated systems can respond to routine questions around the clock.
Routine analysis and reporting – AI software can generate reports, spot trends, and flag anomalies in seconds.
Simple content creation – Automated tools can write short summaries, articles, and product descriptions.
For businesses, this kind of automation can dramatically boost efficiency. But it also means roles focused solely on these activities may decline in demand, making it vital to upskill teams or shift focus to more strategic, value-driven work.
Jobs More Likely to Remain Human-Centric
On the other hand, roles that rely on creativity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, or complex problem-solving are much harder for AI to replicate. These include:
Leadership & Strategic Roles – Humans excel at vision, judgment, and decision-making in uncertain situations.
Creative Professions – Designers, marketers, and writers who develop original ideas still require human imagination.
Relationship-Focused Roles – Recruiters, salespeople, HR professionals, and client managers build trust in ways machines can’t.
Technical & Skilled Trades – Many specialised jobs, from engineering to healthcare, rely on nuanced understanding and hands-on expertise.
These areas represent reel opportunities for the future. Hiring for roles that require creativity, leadership, or interpersonal skills is a safer long-term investment – and AI can act as a powerful support tool rather than a threat.
How Businesses Can Use This Insight
AI isn’t replacing people, it’s reshaping how we work. Business that adapt early will be best placed to thrive. Here’s how:
Workforce planning – Identify where AI can assist and where the human touch should remain central.
Upskilling teams – Invest in developing skills like creativity, communication, and problem-solving that AI can’t replicate.
Recruitment strategy – Focus on attracting and retaining talent in roles that are more future-proof.
At Anna Maher Recruitment, we specialise in helping businesses find the right people for the right roles – whether AI is part of the picture or not. By understanding the balance between automation and human expertise, companies can build stronger, more resilient teams ready for the future of work.