Fresh from Copenhagen: what Danish researchers say about AI and jobs

The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked plenty of debate about their impact on jobs. Will large language models (LLMs) take away work, or simply change how we do our jobs? A recent study titled Large Language Models, Small Labour Market Effects takes a close look at this question, focusing specifically on Denmark.

Here’s what the researchers found, explained in plain language.

What the study set out to discover

The researchers wanted to know if the introduction of LLMs, such as ChatGPT, had any noticeable effects on the Danish labour market. Specifically, they asked:

• Did jobs in Denmark that are more “exposed” to LLMs see changes in hiring, wages or job requirements?

• Are there any early signs that LLMs are making certain skills less valuable?

How the researchers approached the problem

To dig into this, the team collected data from Denmark, using two large-scale surveys from late 2023 and 2024. These surveys covered 11 occupations in Denmark that are considered more likely to be affected by LLMs. The researchers then linked the survey results to Danish employer-employee records, allowing them to see any changes in employment trends.

They compared roles in Denmark that are more likely to use LLMs (for example, writing, analysis or coding jobs) with those that are less exposed (like physical labour or jobs relying on face-to-face customer service). The study also looked at the types of skills employers in Denmark were asking for before and after LLMs went mainstream.

Key findings from the study

1. The effects on Danish jobs are small so far

Despite the hype, the study finds that LLMs have not yet had a large impact on the Danish labour market. Jobs that are more exposed to LLMs did not see big changes in hiring rates or wages.

2. Changes in skill requirements are subtle

There are some signs that Danish employers are asking for slightly different skills in exposed occupations. For example, there’s a modest decline in demand for certain writing skills. However, the overall effect is quite small at the moment.

3. No evidence of large job losses (yet)

The study finds no clear evidence that LLMs have caused widespread job losses or hiring slowdowns in the roles most likely to be affected in Denmark.

4. LLMs are not (yet) replacing humans at scale

Employers in Denmark do not seem to be using LLMs to replace human workers in a broad way. Instead, LLMs might be helping people do their jobs more efficiently, or changing the mix of skills that some jobs require.

What does this mean for workers and employers?

While it is still early days, the arrival of LLMs does not appear to have caused dramatic shifts in the Danish job market. For now, these tools are more likely to change how people work than to take jobs away.

Workers may want to focus on building skills that complement LLMs, such as critical thinking, communication or subject-matter expertise. For employers, the message is clear: LLMs are a useful tool, but not a full replacement for human talent.

The bottom line

AI has the power to transform the world of work, but the effects are likely to be slow and uneven. The latest research from Denmark suggests that, at least for now, large language models are more of a helpful assistant than a job destroyer.

It's worth keeping an eye on this space. As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will its impact on jobs and skills. For now, though, the sky is not falling (yet) and there’s still time to upskill.

How Paadia can help

At Paadia, we believe the future of work is not about humans versus machines. It's about building teams where AI plays a meaningful and collaborative role. As AI moves beyond being a simple tool and begins to act more like a team member (offering suggestions, drafting content, and answering queries) it becomes essential to rethink how we work, learn, and lead.

We support organisations and individuals in preparing for this shift. Whether you are introducing AI into your daily workflow, upskilling your team, or developing strategies for ethical and effective AI use, we provide practical guidance based on real-world experience. From interactive workshops to tailored consulting, our aim is to help you move from curiosity to confidence. You will not just use AI; you will learn how to work with it.

Now is time to prepare for a future where AI is not just running in the background but fully integrated into the way we work.