Work, Life, and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Emerging Findings from Asia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the landscape of work and life in Asia, with significant implications for workplace equity. This chapter investigates the role of AI, highlighting its potential to enhance job performance and work–life balance while also posing risks of job displacement and psychological stress among workers. It examines the paradoxical impact of AI: on the one hand, automating routine tasks can reduce bias and improve efficiency; on the other hand, it might lead to job insecurity and exacerbate workplace inequalities. The chapter also identifies the need for robust training programs to help workers transition to an AI-augmented workplace and for ethical guidelines to ensure AI’s fair and unbiased use. It emphasises the importance of research on mitigating adverse effects and fostering equitable work environments in the face of AI integration. Finally, the chapter calls for a comprehensive approach to AI policy and application to navigate the fine balance between leveraging AI’s benefits and addressing its challenges to ensure an inclusive future of work in Asia.