Navigating AI disruption: The moderating role of flexible management in employment outcomes of younger employees

Abstract

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to the workforce continues to disrupt employment at all levels, and in all industries. That being said, younger workers are most at risk. As automation increasingly affects entry-level and routine tasks typically filled by these younger workers, the risk of job loss increases. However, rather than framing AI as an inevitable threat to younger employees, flexible management practices (FMPs) are offered as moderators in mitigating this technological displacement. The different FMPs are shown to potentially interact with characteristics of the younger workforce (i.e., neuroplastic and lifestyle options) enabling firms and institutions to redirect AI disruption into sustainable pathways in regard to the younger workforce, benefiting both the organization and the employees.