Key Points
- 80% of workers believe AI will impact their daily jobs. Gen Z is the most concerned generation about the rise of AI.
- Job postings for “AI agent” skills have surged by over 1,500%.
- Nearly half of workers fear AI will benefit corporations more than them.
- There is a large optimism gap between employers and employees.
Four out of five workers believe that artificial intelligence will have a major impact on their daily jobs, and it’s the youngest generation, Gen Z, that is the most concerned. According to a new survey from the recruitment agency Randstad, the rise of AI chatbots and automation is causing significant anxiety in the workplace.
The survey, which polled 27,000 workers across 35 countries, found that job postings requiring “AI agent” skills have skyrocketed by over 1,500%. This is a clear sign that companies are looking to replace low-complexity, transactional roles with AI.
While workers are generally “enthusiastic” about the potential of AI, they are also skeptical of their employers’ motives. “Companies want what companies always want: they want to save costs and increase efficiency,” said the CEO of Randstad. Nearly half of the workers surveyed fear that AI will benefit corporations far more than it will benefit them.
The generational divide is also striking. Gen Z, the youngest group in the workforce, is the most worried about AI’s impact on their careers. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are the least concerned and feel more confident in their ability to adapt.
The survey also revealed a big gap in optimism between bosses and their employees. A whopping 95% of employers expect their businesses to grow this year, but only 51% of employees feel the same way.
This all comes at a time when labor markets are already under a lot of pressure. The ongoing trade wars and geopolitical uncertainty have led to a wave of job cuts, and the rise of AI is only adding to the anxiety.
