New research from Randstad UK reveals that three in five workers support a government ban on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The survey, which surveyed 1,147 employees, aimed to shed light on workers’ concerns about job cuts and the potential impact of AI on the workforce.
Despite these fears, the study also found that some workers were already using AI tools for work-related tasks. This speaks to the complex relationship between worker apprehension and acceptance of this transformative technology.
The survey showed that 60% of workers support a government decision to ban the use of AI tools in the workplace, reflecting their concerns about the role of AI in their working lives. Examples such as Italy’s attempt to ban ChatGPT and strikes in Hollywood over AI-generated jokes have contributed to these concerns. In fact, 46% of workers expressed concern about AI replacing their jobs, of which 26% were very worried and 20% were somewhat worried about the potential impact of AI on their job prospects.
Interestingly, despite these concerns, 37% of workers said they would not use AI tools, while 27% said they would consider using them. In addition, 40% of respondents indicated that they already use AI tools for their professional tasks. This disparity between workers’ fears and their own use of AI tools highlights the complexity of emotions surrounding the integration of AI in the workplace.
The research also revealed the growing impact of AI on the job market. The UK AI sector currently employs over 50,000 people and contributed £3.7 billion to the economy in 2017. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report predicts that by 2027, 23% of jobs are expected to change, but 69 million new jobs will be created and 83 million will be eliminated.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for companies to address workers’ fears and provide development opportunities in the area of technology. Victoria Short, CEO of Randstad UK, highlighted the importance of digital training and skills development for employees. She pointed out that 89% of workers are interested in learning and development opportunities.
As AI continues to shape the workplace, companies must prioritize digital training and skills development initiatives to enable their employees to adapt to the changing world of work. The delicate balance between worker apprehension and the adoption of AI tools calls for effective strategies to navigate this evolving landscape in the age of artificial intelligence.
2023-07-30 19:05:26
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