1 in 3 Workers Expect AI to Lead to the Loss of their Current Job

One in three workers expect AI to lead to the loss of their current job, according to a published survey from Ipsos.

The global research report which questioned 22,816 adults on their attitudes to artificial intelligence revealed that on average across 31 countries, nearly as many adults say that products and services that use AI make them nervous (52%) as say they are excited about them (54%).

The majority of those surveyed across all counties expect AI-powered products and services to profoundly change their daily life in the coming years.  On average, 57% of workers expect AI to change the way they do their current job and 36% expect it to replace their current job.

Reported understanding of AI has increased slightly over the past 18 months, but familiarity with which products and services use AI has barely changed since Ipsos’ previous global survey on AI in December 2021.

On average across the 31 countries surveyed, two-thirds (67%) say they have a good understanding of what AI is, but only half (51%) say they know which products and services use AI.

Only about half of respondents agree that AI-based services have more benefits than drawbacks (54%) and are excited about them (also 54%).

However, about the same number (52%) are nervous about AI-based products and services.

Knowledge of what products and services use AI is higher among younger adults, men, those who are employed, more educated, and/or more affluent.

Responding to the report Sjuul van der Leeuw, CEO of Deployteq said: “AI will have a seismic impact on the way businesses operate, ushering in a new era of efficiency and transforming traditional job roles beyond all recognition. Yet no matter how powerful this technology becomes, the tools and benefits it brings should always be used to optimise and empower workers rather than replace them.”

He continued, “For example, the use of generative AI and automation is already enabling the creative industries to produce incredible campaigns, overhauling traditional sales and marketing processes, and ushering in a new era of AI-backed creativity which is ultimately led by people rather than machines.”

It is understandable that workers may have concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their job security. While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and processes, leading to changes in the job market, it is essential to consider the broader context and ongoing developments in the field.

It's important to note that job displacement caused by AI is not a universal outcome. The effects of AI adoption will vary across industries, job types, and regions. While some jobs may become automated, new jobs and roles are likely to emerge as a result of AI implementation.

Moreover, historical trends show that technological advancements, including automation, have often led to the transformation of industries and the creation of new employment opportunities. While certain tasks may be automated, AI can also augment human capabilities and improve productivity in various sectors.

To prepare for the evolving job market, workers can focus on developing skills that complement AI and automation. By acquiring expertise in areas that require creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, individuals can position themselves for the jobs of the future. Lifelong learning, adaptability, and a growth mindset are crucial in navigating the changing employment landscape.

It's also worth noting that societal and policy considerations are important in shaping the impact of AI on jobs. Governments, businesses, and organizations can play a role in implementing strategies such as reskilling initiatives, social safety nets, and supportive policies to mitigate potential job displacement and ensure a smooth transition for workers.