Redrawing the labour blueprint: PRISMA insights on AI in the construction industry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology with an undefined range of capabilities, transforming many industries and their practices. The construction industry is one of the least digitised industries and largely lags in adopting AI. The limitless and unpredictable nature of AI’s development has generated a widespread fear of potential job displacements that counterpoints the acknowledged benefits of AI. This study seeks to identify the impact of the adoption of AI on employment. The potential effects on the labour force, specifically employees, employers, and society, will be examined. To achieve this aim, the study adopts a systematic literature review approach using the PRISMA protocol, complemented by an analytical framework for investigating how the progression of AI will affect employment, particularly within the construction industry. The findings of the study inform a range of parties that operate in the construction industry concerning the impact of AI and provide several recommendations to assist in mitigating the negative effects on employment.