First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (8%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (33%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 14 (58%)

• Prepare and maintain work records and reports of information such as employee time and wages, daily receipts, or inspection results.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Quote prices to customers.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan work schedules and assign duties to maintain adequate staff for effective performance of activities and response to fluctuating workloads.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Estimate material, time, and staffing requirements for a given project, based on work orders, job specifications, and experience.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Evaluate employee performance and prepare performance appraisals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assess training needs of staff and arrange for or provide appropriate instruction.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Participate in the hiring process by reviewing credentials, conducting interviews, or making hiring decisions or recommendations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Inventory supplies and requisition or purchase additional items, as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Schedule times of shipment and modes of transportation for materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide assistance in balancing books, tracking, monitoring, or projecting a unit's budget needs, and in developing unit policies and procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Maintain a safe working environment by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review work throughout the work process and at completion to ensure that it has been performed properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inform designated employees or departments of items loaded or problems encountered.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Examine freight to determine loading sequences.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collaborate with workers and managers to solve work-related problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Check specifications of materials loaded or unloaded against information contained in work orders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Transmit and explain work orders to laborers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect equipment for wear and for conformance to specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct staff meetings to relay general information or to address specific topics, such as safety.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Resolve personnel problems, complaints, or formal grievances when possible, or refer them to higher-level supervisors for resolution.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Recommend or initiate personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, or disciplinary measures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Inspect job sites to determine the extent of maintenance or repairs needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform the same work duties as those supervised, or perform more difficult or skilled tasks or assist in their performance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel employees in work-related activities, personal growth, or career development.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use