The proliferation of generative AI (GenAI) applications in the workplace has led to widespread speculation about the future of work. In this discussion paper, we formulate five theses on the relationship between GenAI and work, based on theoretical considerations and initial empirical impressions. They also serve as hypotheses for the GENKIA research project, in which we empirically examine changes in work across programming, journalism, marketing, HR management and public administration.
The hypotheses are as follows:
(1) Despite technical breakthroughs, GenAI is not an equivalent to human intelligence;
(2) GenAI becomes usable through human labor;
(3) GenAI represents a new quality of interaction between humans and machines;
(4) The introduction of GenAI creates work;
(5) Generative AI requires new answers to ensure good working conditions.