Artificial intelligence is vastly reshaping the workplace, raising questions for business owners about hiring, automation, workforce training, and the future of jobs in America. While many believe that AI is set to replace workers, others say it opens the door to entirely new industries and opportunities.
Joining us on the latest episode of Business Trends Today to combat these fears and break down what this shift actually means for employers and employees is Patrick Hedger, Director of Policy at NetChoice.
Hedger starts today’s discussion on the premise that “the fear of this is overblown.” He believes that the world has seen previous technology revolutions, which ultimately created new types of jobs and more jobs on net. So, he asserts that the correlation between technology and overall job loss, historically, doesn’t “pan out.”
“Technology does disrupt labor at some point. That’s the whole point of technology.”
According to Hedger, the internet created numerous jobs that, at the time, people couldn’t have predicted. So, he believes it’s imperative for business owners to stop limiting themselves from the opportunities and productivity gains of AI.
Economic growth
While small business creation has been at record highs, Hedger says the sector is also among the fastest to adopt AI technologies. He notes that the sector is experiencing an AI penetration rate of 70-80%, arguing that the technology is, essentially, “lowering the barrier” to entry for entrepreneurs.
He explains that AI tools are already aiding small business owners with functions like accounting, legal support, and administrative tasks that were previously costly or difficult to access. As a result, he says, more individuals can launch and operate businesses with fewer upfront operational constraints.
Foundational growth
Hedger also highlighted the growing importance of infrastructure, particularly data centers, in supporting AI expansion. He described data centers as the backbone of the modern digital economy, powering not only AI systems but also everyday digital services.
He notes that these facilities generate a range of employment opportunities, including construction roles, ongoing operational jobs, and broader economic activity linked to investment in surrounding regions. According to Hedger, AI-driven infrastructure development is creating both direct and secondary job growth.
Hiring evolution
As businesses integrate AI into more functions, Hedger says that hiring priorities are starting to shift. He points to the increasing demand for workers with practical AI skills, including the ability to effectively prompt systems and evaluate AI-generated outputs against real-world data.
He also cites fields such as radiology as early examples of AI integration, noting that demand for radiologists has increased as AI tools enable professionals to serve more patients. Additionally, he suggests that similar patterns are likely to emerge across other industries as adoption expands.
Hedger also alludes to the rise of AI as highlighting existing workforce shortages, especially in skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. He notes that these roles often pay high wages without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
According to Hedger, AI-related infrastructure buildouts are further accelerating demand for skilled labor, prompting some major employers to invest in training programs.
Preparing for the future
For small and mid-sized businesses, Hedger encourages leaders to actively engage with AI tools to better understand how they work and how to apply them in daily operations. He suggests starting with simple use cases, such as workflow optimization or basic personal productivity tasks, to build familiarity.
He said this type of hands-on exposure will help workers and business owners better position themselves for continued technological change.
Nevertheless, Hedger expresses confidence that AI will ultimately benefit workers and entrepreneurs. He observes that economic demand has consistently grown over time and believes that AI will create new industries and job categories that are not yet fully evident.
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