AI's Impact on Knowledge Work Now 'Very Visible'
Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka says the impact of AI on knowledge-based industries is no longer a future concept but a present reality that is "very visible." He points to the increasing automation of tasks in legal research, financial modeling, and project management, urging companies to accelerate workforce reskilling to adapt.
The adoption of AI in the legal sector has surged, with 79% of legal professionals now using AI in their practice, a dramatic increase from 19% in 2023. This rapid integration is projected to save the U.S. legal industry $20 billion annually, freeing up an average of five hours per week for each legal professional. In finance, AI is also making significant inroads, with nearly 70% of financial services companies reporting revenue increases of 5% or more due to AI implementation. Furthermore, over 60% of these firms have seen cost reductions of 5% or more, showcasing AI's dual impact on both revenue generation and operational efficiency. Project management is being fundamentally reshaped by AI, with organizations using AI-driven tools reporting a 25% reduction in project timelines and a 15% increase in team productivity. These tools automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making through predictive analytics, and optimize resource allocation, leading to higher project success rates. This technological shift is creating a demand for new roles that did not exist a few years ago. Positions such as AI Interaction Specialist, AI Ethics Officer, and Conversational AI Designer are emerging to manage and guide the integration of AI into business processes. Job postings that mention AI or related terms surged by over 130% in the last year, indicating a clear shift in employer demand. The demand for AI-related skills is not confined to technical roles. As of December 2025, nearly 45% of data and analytics job postings contained AI-related terms, compared to 15% in marketing and 9% in human resources. This highlights the growing need for AI literacy across various knowledge-based professions. While AI automates certain tasks, particularly at the entry-level, it is also augmenting the capabilities of experienced professionals. The focus is shifting from routine data collection and reporting to more strategic analysis and decision-making, placing a premium on skills that complement AI technologies. Looking ahead, Gartner predicts that by 2027, 70% of new employee contracts will include clauses related to the use of AI representations of employee personas. Furthermore, by 2029, it's anticipated that 10% of global boards will utilize AI guidance to challenge executive decisions, signaling a deeper integration of AI into corporate governance.
