CYPHER Learning, a provider of a modern learning platform for business and academic settings, released a new study today on workers’ concerns and aspirations regarding the use of AI in the workplace. The study revealed that while AI is positively reshaping job roles by eliminating repetitive tasks, it is also deepening workplace digital divides among different age groups, genders, and levels of seniority. However, CYPHER Learning warns that women, individuals over 55, and clerical or manual workers believe that the advancement of AI poses a risk to their employment.
CYPHER Learning surveyed 4,543 workers aged 18 and above, from a cross-section of industries across the US, UK and Mexico, and found:
- Reshaping of Roles: 63% of workers say that the introduction of AI technologies has already impacted the skills required to perform their role, while over half (52%) believe it will either ‘totally transform’ or have a ‘major impact’ on their role within two years. As a result, 38% expect that they will need to retrain because their jobs will become obsolete, and almost half (45%) are concerned about their future job security.
- Despite the significant changes, many workers felt optimistic. 67% of workers see AI as a ‘friend’ rather than a foe. Additionally, 41% of workers use AI for their work, with 46% stating that AI is making their jobs easier, and 43% noting that it’s eliminating tedious administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on more valuable work.
- AI Digital Divides: Not all workers are benefiting equally from AI. Younger workers, men, and senior management are more likely to use AI at work and enjoy experimenting with it, compared to women, those over 55, and manual or clerical workers. Similarly, fewer women, older workers, and manual or clerical workers feel that technology is changing their roles for the better.
- The survey revealed that many workers believe there is a lack of clear guidance on the use of AI in the workplace. 69% of respondents feel that clear AI policies are still needed. Surprisingly, one in three (33%) think that the use of AI in the workplace should be banned entirely. Additionally, one in four (25%) workers admit to using AI without their boss’s knowledge.
“Each technological leap – such as we are currently experiencing with AI – does change the workplace,” explains Graham Glass, Founder and CEO, CYPHER Learning. “Trade-offs have had to be made throughout history as jobs and roles shift. But over the long term these changes generally prove to be for the better.”
With the influence of AI on the workforce expected to grow in the coming years, 73% of workers believe AI skills will be important to their role within five years – with 45% believing such skills will be ‘essential’ or ‘very important’. However, only 25% have had training in this area. Again, workforce divides were apparent:
- Only 11% of workers over 55 have had AI training, compared to 30% of those aged 18 to 44.
- More men than women report exposure to AI training – 36% compared to 18%.
- Senior management have had more training than anyone else – 58%, compared to 11% of clerical or manual workers.
The survey also revealed frustrations and concerns around how technology training is delivered at present. Nearly half of workers (48%) worry about their company’s future due to a lack of leadership investment in new technology skills. Moreover, 46% of workers said they find it impossible to keep up with the tech and digital skills required for their roles, and 53% say their tech training quickly becomes outdated.
