As technology and society continue to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), nearly three-quarters of American workers (74%) fear higher unemployment is on the horizon.
In fact, around half (47%) of US workers believe AI could easily replace their jobs. That’s a steep increase on 2017’s 27% response, according to the latest American Staffing Association (ASA) Workforce Monitor survey. With the launch of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in recent months, millions of American employees are taking advantage of the ways automation can enhance daily tasks. However, excitement around new AI is dampened by fears that further automation may threaten future employment.
AI IMPACT ON JOBS
Seventy-four percent of Americans believe increased automation will lead to higher unemployment by taking jobs away from humans. The survey also found that nearly half (47%) of all employed Americans feel automation could easily replace their jobs with revealing disparities based on industry alignment:
- 56% in the industrial sector
- 51% in engineering/IT/scientific
- 48% in office–clerical/administrative
- 44% in professional–managerial
- 39% in health care
DISRUPTING CAREERS
These findings are in sharp contrast to ASA’s 2017 Workforce Monitor survey, which found that 73% of Americans workers, did not believe their work could easily be replaced by robots/AI. Overall, employed Americans are split on whether increased workplace automation will ultimately help or hurt their future careers. Over a quarter (27%) believe that AI technology will help and 26% say it will hurt.
“Workers are trying to figure out what the rise of artificial intelligence means for their careers,” said Richard Wahlquist, Chief Executive Officer at the American Staffing Association. “Employers must take responsibility for helping their workforce navigate and evolve to meet rapid changes in the economy through training and upskilling. Further, it’s imperative that organisations communicate with employees as new AI technology is deployed to set expectations and provide transparency.”
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