- Gig-work startup CEO predicts which roles are likely to survive automation in 2026.
- Jobs requiring empathy, complex manual skills and on-site problem solving seen as more resilient.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders and other lawmakers have warned AI could displace workers and urged policy action.
- Experts say reskilling, regulation and human-centric work design will determine who keeps their jobs.
Gig CEO: Some Jobs Will Escape Automation in 2026
Summary of the prediction
A CEO of a prominent gig-work startup recently outlined which professions are likely to survive waves of automation through 2026. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence and robotics will replace many routine tasks, the executive said certain roles that require human judgment, empathy or manual dexterity will be harder to automate quickly.
Which jobs were highlighted
The CEO’s assessment pointed to several broad categories that should be relatively resilient over the next few years:
- Care and health aides: Jobs that require empathy, human connection and fine judgment—such as home health aides and certain nursing roles—remain difficult to replace with machines.
- Skilled trades and on-site manual work: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and many construction roles require hands-on problem solving in varied environments that are hard for robots to replicate.
- Complex, non-routine service jobs: Roles that involve unpredictable environments or nuanced customer service—childcare, specialized customer support, and certain hospitality work—are less automatable.
- Creative and supervisory roles: While AI increasingly aids creative output, humans still lead strategic creative direction, editing, and complex project supervision.
What may be at higher risk
The CEO noted that repetitive, routine tasks—especially in back-office functions, basic data entry, and predictable driving routes—are most vulnerable to automation. Companies pursuing efficiency gains will likely target these areas first.
Political and social reaction
Sen. Bernie Sanders and other lawmakers have publicly warned that AI and automation could lead to significant job losses if left unchecked. Their remarks have intensified debate over regulation, worker protections and government action to fund retraining programs. The CEO’s predictions add industry perspective to the policy conversation, reinforcing calls for proactive measures.
Experts urge a mixed response
Economists and workforce analysts who reviewed these trends emphasize three practical responses:
- Invest in reskilling: Programs that teach digital literacy, problem solving and trade skills can help workers transition to roles less likely to be automated.
- Design human-centric jobs: Employers should redesign work to emphasize interpersonal and situational strengths that AI cannot easily replicate.
- Policy safeguards: Temporary support, regulation of AI deployment and incentives for job-creating industries can soften displacement risks.
Bottom line
The gig-work CEO’s outlook suggests the 2026 job market will reward human strengths—empathy, adaptability, hands-on skill and complex judgment. While many positions face pressure from automation, a combination of employer strategy, public policy and worker retraining can shape who keeps their jobs and who moves into new roles.
Image Referance: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/01/49659564/gig-work-startup-ceo-predicts-these-jobs-will-survive-automation-in-2026