Dive Brief:
- Generative AI use is causing concern among frontline workers who are worried about the technology's impact on their job security, according to a Boston Consulting Group report published last week.
- More than 4 in 10 workers fear AI technologies will replace their jobs in the next decade, up six percentage points since last year, the survey of more than 13,000 employees found. Despite concerns, 42% say they feel confident about AI's impact on work — up from 26% in last year's study.
- Nearly 3 in 5 workers using generative AI say the technology has saved them around 5 hours of work per week. Employees are mostly using the time saved to perform more tasks, experiment with generative AI and finish work earlier, according to the survey.
Dive Insight:
As companies work to determine the impacts of generative AI on workforce needs, employees are worried about technology pushing them out of their current roles.
Unclear enterprise plans for workforce changes are driving mixed emotions about AI among workers. One-quarter of CEOs expect to trim headcount by up to 5% due to generative AI adoption, but 2 in 5 plan to increase their ranks by 5% or more, according to a PwC report published in January.
Employees also link their ambivalence to a lack of guidance, training and transparency from employers. CIOs and other business leaders can help ease the transition for workers as workflows change and new skills are polished. Acceptable use policies, upskilling opportunities and clear goals can support responsible adoption.
BCG recommended leaders create a generative AI vision centered around value creation rather than productivity, as well as partner closely with HR to solidify an operating model.
