LegendRed: Also present in Aug 2019 Listing
Blue: New Additions in this list
~~~
1.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
Christopher Voss, 2016
2.
Getting to Yes
Roger Fisher, 1981
3.
Negotiation Genius: How to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Brilliant Results at the Bargaining Table and Beyond
Max H. Bazerman, 2007
4.
Bargaining for Advantage: Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable People
G. Richard Shell, 1999
5.
Getting Past No
William Ury, 1991
6.
You Can Negotiate Anything
Herb Cohen, 1980
7.
The Art of Negotiation: How to Improvise Agreement in a Chaotic World
Michael A. Wheeler, 20138.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Negotiation (with Bonus Article "15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer" by Deepak Malhotra)
Daniel Kahneman, 20199.
Negotiating the Nonnegotiable: How to Resolve Your Most Emotionally Charged Conflicts
Daniel Shapiro, 201610.
The Art of Negotiation: How to Get What You Want (Every Time)
Tim Castle, 2018
11.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High
Kerry Patterson, 2018
12.
Bargaining with the Devil: When to Negotiate, When to Fight
Robert Harris Mnookin, 2010
13.
Difficult Conversations
Douglas Stone, 1999
14.
Start with No: The Negotiating Tools That the Pros Don't Want You to Know
Jim Camp, 2002
15.
Negotiating the Impossible: How to Break Deadlocks and Resolve Ugly Conflicts (without Money Or Muscle)
Deepak Malhotra, 2016
16.
Negotiating at Work: Turn Small Wins Into Big Gains
Deborah M. Kolb, 2015
17.
3-D Negotiation: Powerful Tools to Change the Game in Your Most Important Deals
James K. Sebenius
18.
Getting to Yes with Yourself CD: (and Other Worthy Opponents)
William Ury, 2015
19.
Negotiation: The Brian Tracy Success Library
Brian Tracy, 2013
20.
Secrets of Power Negotiating: Inside Secrets from a Master Negotiator
Roger Dawson, 1987
21.
Getting More: How to Negotiate to Achieve Your Goals in the Real World
Stuart Diamond, 2010
22.
The Negotiation Book: Your Definitive Guide to Successful Negotiating
Steve Gates, 2010
23.
The First Move: A Negotiator's Companion
Alain Pekar Lempereur, 2010
24.
Getting More: How You Can Negotiate to Succeed in Work and Life
Stuart Diamond, 2010
25.
Dealmaking: The New Strategy of Negotiauctions (Second Edition)
Guhan Subramanian, 2020
26.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Robert Cialdini, 1984
27.
Beyond Winning: Negotiating to Create Value in Deals and Disputes
Scott R. Peppet, 2000
28.
Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate
Roger Fisher, 2005
29.
Win-Win Negotiation Techniques: Development the Mindset, Skills and Behaviours of Winning Negotiators
David Goldwich, 2011
30.
The Power of Noticing: What the Best Leaders See
Max H. Bazerman, 2014
31.
Brian Tracy Success Series: LEADERSHIP
Brian Tracy, 2014
32.
Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade
Robert Cialdini, 2016
33.
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
Douglas Stone, 2014
34.
The Power of a Positive No
William Ury, 2007
35.
Entrepreneurial Negotiation: Understanding and Managing the Relationships that Determine Your Entrepreneurial Success
Lawrence Susskind, 2018
36.
Real Leaders Negotiate! Gaining, Using, and Keeping the Power to Lead Through Negotiation
Jeswald Salacuse, 2017
37.
Negotiate Or Stagnate: Have it Your Way, Without Showing the Highway!
Prakash Chugani, 2024
38.
How To Negotiate
Christopher Copper-Ind, 2019
39.
The Only Negotiating Guide You'll Ever Need: 101 Ways to Win Every Time in Any Situation
Peter B. Stark, 2003
40.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie, 1936
41.
Negotiation Quotient: Opening the Door to a Successful Deal
Anuj Jagannathan, 2019
42.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Negotiation
Daniel Kahneman, 2019
43.
Women Don't Ask
Linda Babcock, 2003
44.
Secrets of Power Negotiating, 25th Anniversary Edition
Roger Dawson, 2021
45.
Getting to Yes with Yourself: How to Get What You Truly Want
William Ury, 2016
46.
Negotiation: Learn How to Negotiate for Greater Business Success, and Avoid Mistakes (Master Tips and Strategies for Work, Love, Friendship and Business)
James Wardell, 2022
47.
He wins, she wins. Learning the art of marital negotiation
Willard F. Harley Jr.
Revell (2013)
We have picked some bestsellers that have helped people the world over chalk out a retirement plan.
Financial planning can be easy if you have the right tools. We pick here some bestsellers that have helped people the world over chalk out a retirement plan. Use them to fish out important guideposts, not just India-specific information.
1. ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CAREFREE RETIREMENT
Author: Gaurav Mashruwala
Publisher: Businessworld
The book looks at retirement planning for every age group and ways to manage money after the golden handshake. Apart from details on financial products available in India that can be used for an effective retirement, it uses case studies. These worked out examples help readers make an easy association.
2. GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
Authors: Kenneth & Virginia Morris
Publisher: Lightbulb Library
This illustrated book simplifies the basic retirement planning concepts. Although retirement in India doesn’t work the same way as in the US, this book—part of a series—gives relevant pointers that can apply anywhere in the world. A handy, easy-to-read guide.
3. COMPLETE RETIREMENT GUIDEBOOK
Authors: Glenn Ruffenach
And Kelly Greene
Publisher: Three Rivers
The authors have been writing about retirement issues for The Wall Street Journal for long and have gone beyond the nuts and bolts of retirement in this book. It is replete with examples and worksheets that can help you plan your later years. It’s an American book, but has concepts that can be adapted to local conditions.
4. THE NEW RETIREMENTALITY
Author: Mitch Anthony
Publisher: Kaplan
The cleverly named book and the concept should be of interest to anyone uneasy with the traditional requirement of ending a working life at 60. Anecdotes about those who have done so, and a liberal sprinkling of inspirational suggestions from the author make the book meaningful. Read it to know how to make your desires come true after retirement.
5. GETTING STARTED IN RETIREMENT PLANNING
Authors: Ronald and Murry Yolles
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
This book offering a simple strategy is split in four parts. It starts with the need for retirement savings, followed by a strategy for each lifestage, and for preserving wealth. Finally, it looks at the good life after retirement. The hypothetical scenarios offer realistic solutions for a range of retirement issues.
6. RETIRE YOUNG, RETIRE RICH
Authors: Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Publisher: Business Plus
Kiyosaki is the Oprah of finance. In this book, the fifth in the Rich Dad series, he and Lechter stress on the power of leverage. They cite their own situation of starting with nothing and retiring financially free in less than 10 years. An amazing feat and an example we can aspire to.
7. THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO RETIREMENT PLANNING
Author: Jeffrey J. Wuorio
Publisher: Alpha
The book stresses on the need for enough money after retirement and the benefits that the US social security offers—or the lack thereof—and ways to supplement them. Again, it has nothing for the Indian context, but one can take lessons from the state pension schemes and the way they pan out.
8. YES, YOU CAN STILL RETIRE COMFORTABLY
Authors: Ben Stein, Phil Demuth
Publisher: New Beginnings Press
Backed by facts and figures, the book shows exactly how much you need to save to maintain your standard of living, and how to invest to get the maximum returns from your savings. It offers tips to tap into the nest egg after you retire—in a way that you get the most money while keeping it safe.
9. START LATE FINISH RICH
Author: David Bach
Publisher: Broadway
Going by the title, one can retire rich no matter what the starting point. However, the book is only useful for those who are under 45. Anyone who reads it after this age will find it highly unsuitable. The premise of the book is that one should focus more on cutting costs than being investment-driven. Incidentally, one of Bach’s suggestions is to cut eating out!
10. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE?
Authors: Richard N. Bolles
And John Nelson
Publisher: Ten Speed
The book starts by stating that retirement today is not like the past, when it was all about money. This one is for those looking at life in retirement—it has to do with what one wants and how to get there. But, be warned. This is not really a personal finance book; it’s close to psychology.
Bonus books
11. Build the life you want (Arthur C Brooks)
Arthur Brooks co-author with Oprah Winfrey of Build the Life You Want explores the art of balancing enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning to build a fulfilling life. His insights on crafting a happiness retirement plan are eye-opening for every stage of life.
12. From Strength to Strength. Finding success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life
By: Arthur C Brooks
Comment: A remarkable guide to becoming happier as you age.
5 WEBSITES THAT CAN HELP YOU KICK-START YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING WITH EASE
1. http://www.iciciprulife.com/retirementnumber/index.htm
The site helps you figure out how much you need in retirement based on your current monthly expenses. You can then work backwards to find what you need to do to manage life after retirement.
2. http://www.six-steps.in
The community site suggests the way to plan retirement. It boasts an interactive feature that you can use to seek advice on issues specific to your case. There are enough case studies to tell you about the situations people find themselves in.
3. http://seniorindian.com
This is a one-stop storehouse of information for senior citizens, for the retired, as well as for those looking at retirement. Buzzing with news and useful tips, it can keep postretirement life easy and engaging.
4. https://www.retirementredzone.com/retirementredzone
A US-centred site promoted by Prudential, it addresses the concerns of people five years before retirement and five years into retirement. It is interactive and a good resource pool.
5. http://retireplan.about.com
This resource centre has everything you would want to know about retirement, though it’s not necessarily relevant to India. It is a good site to grasp retirement-related issues that one may have never considered.
Great leaders and organizations inspire action by starting with Why—their purpose, cause, or belief. This approach creates loyal followers, drives innovation, and sustains long-term success.
3 Key Takeaways:
Start With Why:
People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
Inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Apple, and the Wright brothers succeeded because they communicated their Why—their deeper purpose—first.
Example: Apple’s Why is to challenge the status quo and empower individuals, not just sell computers.
The Golden Circle:
Sinek’s framework: Why (purpose) → How (process) → What (product).
Most organizations communicate from the outside in (What to Why), but inspiring leaders start from the inside out.
Example: The Wright brothers’ Why (belief in human flight) inspired their team, even without resources or credentials.
Inspired employees and customers act because they believe in the cause, not because of external incentives.
Example: Harley-Davidson’s loyal community isn’t just buying motorcycles; they’re buying into a lifestyle and belief system.
Call to Action:
Reflect on your Why: What’s your purpose, cause, or belief?
Communicate it clearly to inspire others—whether in leadership, business, or personal endeavors.
Remember: People follow why you do what you do, not what you do.
Tagline: “Those who start with Why inspire action, build loyalty, and change the world.”
~~~
Ch 1: "Assume You Know" (from Start With Why)
Key Message:
Decisions based on flawed assumptions—even with good intentions or data—often lead to short-term fixes, not lasting success. True foresight comes from designing outcomes intentionally from the start.
3 Key Takeaways:
Assumptions Blind Us:
We act on perceived truths, not reality (e.g., mistaking Hitler for JFK until the date reveals the truth).
Example: Believing the world was flat stifled exploration; correcting this assumption unlocked global progress.
Design vs. Default:
American carmakers used rubber mallets to “fix” doors post-production (short-term fix).
Japanese carmakers engineered doors to fit perfectly from the start (long-term solution).
Lesson: Build systems and goals around intentional design, not reactive adjustments.
Data ≠ Foresight:
More information doesn’t guarantee success if built on flawed assumptions.
Balance logic with intuition: Great outcomes often start with clarity of purpose (Why), not just data.
Call to Action:
Question assumptions: What “truths” are guiding your decisions?
Engineer outcomes: Design systems and goals to align with your core purpose from day one.
Think long-term: Prioritize structural soundness over quick fixes.
Tagline: “Don’t hammer doors to fit—design them right from the start.”
~~~
Ch 2: "Carrots and Sticks" (from Start With Why)
Key Message:
Businesses often rely on short-term manipulations (price drops, promotions, fear) to drive transactions, but these erode loyalty and profitability. True success comes from inspiring customers through purpose (Why), not tactics.
3 Key Takeaways:
Manipulations ≠ Loyalty:
Price wars, fear tactics, and promotions drive sales but create transactional relationships (e.g., GM’s cash-back incentives led to profit loss).
Finished
1.
The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
2.
Ikigai
Author: Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles
3.
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Author: Simon Sinek
4.
The Power of Now
Author: Eckhart Tolle
5.
The Last Lecture
Author: Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
6.
Mastery
Author: Robert Greene
7.
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
Author: Eckhart Tolle
8.
Find Your Why
Author: Simon Sinek, Peter Docker, David Mead
Pending
1.
Man's Search for Meaning
Author: Viktor Frankl
2.
The Purpose Driven Life
Author: Rick Warren
3.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
4.
Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Author: Parker Palmer
5.
The Four Agreements
Author: Don Miguel Ruiz
6.
The Happiness of Pursuit
Author: Chris Guillebeau
7.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Author: Howard C. Cutler, 14th
8.
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
Author: Ken Robinson
9.
Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live
Author: Martha Beck
10.
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do
Author: Jeff Goins
11.
The War of Art
Author: Steven Pressfield
12.
Essentialism
Author: Greg McKeown
13.
Awaken the Giant Within
By: Tony Robbins
14.
How Will You Measure Your Life?
Author: James Allworth, Karen Dillon, Clayton Christensen
15.
Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything
Author: Victor J. Strecher
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A Timeless Journey to Discover Your Personal
Legend
Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is more than a novel—it’s a compass for the soul. Since its publication in
1988, this global phenomenon has sold over 150 million copies, transcending cultures and generations. At its
core, the book is a deceptively simple fable about a shepherd boy’s quest for treasure, but its layers of wisdom
about destiny, fear, and the universe’s hidden language have made it a modern classic. Let’s explore why The
Alchemist continues to inspire millions to chase their dreams.
The Shepherd’s Journey: A Metaphor for Life
The story follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who abandons his routine life after recurring dreams of a
treasure buried near Egypt’s pyramids. His journey is fraught with setbacks: thieves, wars, and moments of
doubt. Yet, each obstacle becomes a lesson.
Coelho’s genius lies in transforming Santiago’s physical voyage into a universal metaphor. Like Santiago, we’re
all “shepherds” navigating uncertainty, torn between the comfort of familiarity and the allure of the unknown.
The treasure, as we learn, isn’t just gold—it’s the wisdom gained by embracing the journey itself.
Lessons from the Desert: Key Themes
The Personal Legend Coelho introduces the idea of a “Personal Legend”—a unique
destiny each person is meant to fulfill. The universe, he argues, conspires to help those who pursue it.
Santiago’s mentor, Melchizedek, says: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in
helping you to achieve it.” This isn’t blind optimism but a call to action. The universe
assists only those bold enough to take the first step.
The Language of the World The desert teaches Santiago to listen to the “Soul of the
World,” a universal force connecting all things. Through patience and observation, he learns to read
omens, communicate with the wind, and even turn lead into gold (with the help of the enigmatic
Alchemist). This mystical thread reminds us to trust intuition and find meaning in the mundane.
Fear vs. Faith The Alchemist warns: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering
is worse than the suffering itself.” Santiago’s greatest battle isn’t against external
forces but his own fear of failure. Coelho argues that regret, not failure, is life’s true tragedy.
The Treasure Within Without spoiling the ending, the book’s climax subverts
expectations. The real treasure isn’t where Santiago thought—a reminder that growth often lies in the
journey, not the destination.
Why The Alchemist Resonates Today
In an age of hustle culture and instant gratification, Coelho’s message feels radical: Slow down. Listen.
Trust the process. The book rejects the idea that success is linear. Santiago meanders, gets lost, and
even works in a crystal shop for a year—yet these “detours” shape his resilience.
The novel also champions simplicity. Coelho’s prose is sparse, almost parable-like, making profound ideas
accessible. Lines like “The secret of life is to fall seven times and get up eight” distill complex
philosophies into bite-sized truths.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Alchemist isn’t without its detractors. Some dismiss it as overly simplistic or New Age-y. Others
argue its focus on individualism overlooks systemic barriers. Yet, these critiques miss the point: The book is a
mirror. Its value lies in how readers interpret it—as a spiritual guide, a motivational tool, or a story of
interconnectedness.
Personal Reflection: My Encounter with the Book
I first read The Alchemist during a crossroads in my life. Its message—that fear of failure is more
paralyzing than failure itself—pushed me to pursue a career shift I’d long delayed. Like Santiago, I discovered
that “treasure” often reveals itself when we dare to wander off the mapped path.
The Alchemist’s Legacy
Decades later, the book’s relevance endures. Entrepreneurs quote it in TED Talks, travelers carry it in
backpacks, and dreamers gift it to loved ones. Its staying power lies in its adaptability: Whether you’re 15 or
50, Santiago’s journey reflects your own.
Coelho once wrote, “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” In a
world that often prioritizes practicality over passion, The Alchemist is a gentle nudge to keep
dreaming—and to start acting.
Final Thoughts
The Alchemist isn’t a manual for guaranteed success. It’s a reminder that life’s magic unfolds when we
align courage with purpose. As Santiago learns, the universe rewards those who pay attention to its whispers.
So, what’s your Personal Legend? And what’s stopping you from pursuing it?
TL;DR: Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a timeless tale about chasing dreams, embracing
uncertainty, and finding “treasure” in unexpected places. Through Santiago’s journey, we learn that fear is the
greatest obstacle—and that the universe conspires in favor of the brave.
Have you read The Alchemist? Share how it impacted you in the comments!
Meta plans to lay off approximately 3,600 employees identified as low performers to raise performance standards. CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the move, emphasizing extensive performance-based cuts. Affected employees will be notified by February 10. This follows previous waves of job cuts and policy shifts. Meta's shares fell after the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the company's direction.
Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is set to lay off approximately 3,600 employees identified as low performers, according to an internal memo first reported by Bloomberg. CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the move in the memo, describing it as a strategy to “raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster.”
The layoffs, affecting about 5% of Meta’s 72,400-strong workforce as of September, are part of what Zuckerberg called an “intense year” for the company. Employees in the United States will be notified of their status by February 10, with international employees to be informed later, AFP reported.
“We typically manage out people who aren’t meeting expectations over the course of a year,” Zuckerberg stated, “but now we’re going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle.” He noted that some employees who underperformed in the last period may be retained if there is optimism about their future contributions. Those laid off will receive “generous severance,” the CEO added.
The company plans to replace the outgoing employees with new hires later this year.
This is not Meta’s first wave of job cuts. The company laid off over 11,000 employees in November 2022 and cut an additional 10,000 jobs in subsequent months.
The announcement follows a series of policy shifts at Meta, including the elimination of its US fact-checking program, which had been criticised by conservatives as censorship. Zuckerberg also unveiled changes to content moderation policies, easing restrictions on divisive topics such as immigration and gender while loosening rules on hate speech.
Last week, Meta also announced reductions to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team and scaled back related programs. The policy changes have drawn praise from Republican figures and criticism from Democrats, with some accusing Zuckerberg of aligning with conservative ideas ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast last week, revealed that Meta and other leading tech companies are developing AI systems capable of handling complex coding tasks currently performed by human engineers.
He announced plans to replace midlevel software engineers with artificial intelligence by 2025, signaling a major shift in how the tech giant approaches software development.
Meta’s shares fell Tuesday following the layoff news, reflecting investor concerns over the company's broader direction.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has raised fresh concerns about the future of developer jobs, revealing that artificial intelligence (AI) at Meta is already reaching the capabilities of mid-level software engineers. During a podcast with YouTuber Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg shared his vision for the role of AI in coding and the potential disruption it poses to the job market.In Short
# Mark Zuckerberg has raised fresh concerns about the future of developer jobs
# He revealed that AI at Meta is reaching the capabilities of mid-level software engineers
# He says AI at Meta and other tech companies could effectively replace mid-level engineers
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has raised fresh concerns about the future of developer jobs, revealing that artificial intelligence (AI) at Meta is already reaching the capabilities of mid-level software engineers. During a podcast with YouTuber Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg shared his vision for the role of AI in coding and the potential disruption it poses to the job market.
He stated that by 2025, AI at Meta and other tech companies could effectively replace mid-level engineers who currently write code. This would represent a big shift in how tech companies approach software development.
"We will get to a point where all the code in our apps and the AI it generates will also be written by AI engineers instead of people engineers," he said. For context, Business Insider reported that mid-level software engineers at Meta currently earn salaries in the mid-six figures — a cost AI could significantly reduce.
Zuckerberg’s comments come at a time when other tech giants, such as Google and IBM, are also integrating AI into their operations, raising similar alarms. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, recently announced that over 25 per cent of all new code at Google is now generated by AI, with human engineers stepping in for final reviews. Meanwhile, IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, revealed in 2023 that AI could replace up to 30 per cent of the company’s back-office roles. The trend, seen across different sectors, is sparking a debate about the future of traditional coding jobs.
Jobs of human engineers are at risk?
Zuckerberg’s latest announcement and Google's recent remark on AI completing coding tasks suggest that the role of human engineers is changing, potentially leading to fewer coding jobs in the traditional sense. Rather than spending time on routine tasks, engineers may need to focus on higher-level problem-solving and oversight of AI-generated code. As AI is more integrated into tech workflows, junior and entry-level coding positions might diminish, forcing aspiring developers to rethink their career paths.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for engineers. AI’s growing role in code generation could actually empower coders to concentrate on more strategic and creative aspects of development. It is important to note that human engineers can't be replaced in the longer run because they can solve complex issues that AI alone cannot handle. As routine tasks are increasingly automated, the importance of these core competencies will grow, placing greater value on skills that complement AI.
This tech company has stopped hiring humans
Meta isn’t alone in its AI journey. Klarna, a leading fintech company, has also supported AI-driven automation, reducing its workforce by 20 per cent over the past year without hiring replacements. Klarna’s CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, has openly stated that AI now performs nearly all tasks traditionally handled by human employees, signaling yet another shift toward an AI-dominated future.
The company, which previously had 4,500 employees, now has 3,500. This reduction happened naturally, according to the CEO, due to the 20 per cent annual attrition rate common in tech firms.
Ref
The prospect of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human workers is no longer a sci-fi fantasy—it’s becoming a reality. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs Report, 41% of global companies are considering reducing their workforce by 2030, opting instead for AI-powered solutions.
The report highlights how advancements in AI are enabling companies to automate tasks that previously required human intervention. While this promises efficiency gains, it also raises concerns about the future of work and the human jobs at risk of becoming obsolete.
The survey, conducted among hundreds of large companies worldwide, reveals a dual approach to AI adoption. On one hand, 77% of organizations plan to reskill or upskill their employees to adapt to AI-enhanced workflows. On the other hand, 70% are looking to hire new talent specifically skilled in designing and implementing AI technologies.
Job roles that heavily rely on repetitive tasks or knowledge-based work are among the most vulnerable. Postal service clerks, executive secretaries, payroll clerks, graphic designers, and legal secretaries are cited as some of the fastest-declining roles, attributed to AI’s growing ability to perform tasks like generating original content and automating administrative processes.
The report notes this decline as evidence of AI’s “increasing capacity to complete knowledge work,” which includes creating text, images, and other outputs based on user prompts.
Despite the grim outlook for some roles, the rise of AI doesn’t mean the end of all human jobs. In fact, the report predicts a surge in demand for positions that require distinctly human skills, such as nursing and teaching. These roles rely on empathy, interpersonal interaction, and critical thinking—qualities that AI has yet to replicate effectively.
The trend underscores the need for workers to embrace adaptability and lifelong learning. Companies are prioritizing skill development to ensure employees can thrive in an AI-driven environment. Industries that successfully blend human creativity with AI efficiency may emerge as the big winners in this transition.
The report offers a clear message to businesses and workers alike: adaptability is crucial. As companies invest in upskilling programs and recruit talent with AI expertise, employees must also proactively seek opportunities to align their skills with the demands of the future workplace.
For roles like graphic design and legal support, the decline in traditional job functions could signal a pivot towards hybrid roles where AI assists rather than replaces human efforts. For instance, designers might focus on conceptualization while relying on AI to execute repetitive tasks.
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Synopsis
Global banks may cut up to 200,000 jobs in the next three to five years due to AI. Positions in the back office, middle office, and operations are most at risk. Customer services and know-your-customer roles may also change. AI tools are expected to increase productivity and revenue for banks.
Global banks are expected to cut as many as 200,000 jobs in the next three to five years as artificial intelligence encroaches on tasks currently carried out by human workers, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.
Chief information and technology officers surveyed for BI indicated that on average they expect a net 3% of their workforce to be cut, according to a report published Thursday.
Back office, middle office and operations are likely to be most at risk, Tomasz Noetzel, the BI senior analyst who wrote the report, said in a message. Customer services could see changes as bots manage client functions, while know-your-customer duties would also be vulnerable. “Any jobs involving routine, repetitive tasks are at risk,” he said. “But AI will not eliminate them fully, rather it will lead to workforce transformation.”
Nearly a quarter of the 93 respondents predict a steeper decline of between 5% and 10% of total headcount. The peer group covered by BI includes Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
The findings point to far-reaching changes in the industry, feeding through to improved earnings. In 2027, banks could see pretax profits 12% to 17% higher than they would otherwise have been — adding as much as $180 billion to their combined bottom line — as AI powers an increase in productivity, according to BI. Eight in ten respondents expect generative AI to increase productivity and revenue generation by at least 5% in the next three to five years.
Banks, which have spent years modernizing their IT systems to speed up processes and shave costs in the wake of the financial crisis, have been flocking into the new generation of AI tools that could further improve productivity.
Citi said in a report in June that AI is likely to displace more jobs across the banking industry than in any other sector. About 54% of jobs across banking have a high potential to be automated, Citi said at the time.
Still, many firms have stressed that the shift will result in roles being changed by technology, rather than replaced altogether. Teresa Heitsenrether, who oversees JPMorgan’s AI efforts, said in November that the bank’s adoption of generative AI was so far augmenting jobs.
Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan’s chief executive officer, told Bloomberg Television in 2023 that AI is likely to make dramatic improvement in workers’ quality of life, even if it eliminates some positions. “Your children are going to live to 100 and not have cancer because of technology,” Dimon said at the time. “And literally they’ll probably be working three-and-a-half days a week.”
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