Two-thirds of adults fear AI will cause job losses

More than two-thirds (68%) of employees fear that AI will lead to job losses at their workplace, a survey of adults in seven countries indicates.

But respondents to BCG GAMMA and IPSOS’ report on artificial intelligence also indicated that workers are optimistic that AI will improve the world of work.

More than 20% of workers in Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the US already use AI in the workplace.

Respondents whose workplaces have already adopted AI are more concerned that AI will lead to job losses (76%) than those who have not.

Other concerns about AI in the workplace revolve around fears it will result in more control and surveillance (76%), dehumanise work and reduce social cohesion (65%) and pose ethical problems concerning the protection of personal data (64%).

But respondents also have positive feelings about the potential of AI, including curiosity (60%) and optimism (35%).

Respondents in China are most positive about the potential consequences of AI for their work in the coming years, with 94% reporting such positive feelings.

Workers believe AI has the greatest potential to reduce the time spent performing tedious tasks (72%), enhance their ability to meet deadlines (68%), reduce the risks of error (67%) and free up time to work on more valuable tasks (64%).

“For us in Australia, these findings suggest that if we want to compete in the development and application of AI, we must look to harness the type of enthusiasm seen in China,” BCG GAMMA Australia head Dr Adam Whybrew said.

“To do this, leaders should acknowledge concerns head-on and discuss their organisation’s development of AI and digital transformation with employees.”

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Baris Simsek

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