According to a recent survey by Cypher Learning, one in three (33%) workers want AI banned from the workplace, and 45% are worried about AI’s impact on their job security. The study, which surveyed workers from the UK, the US, and Mexico, showed that 63% believe AI has already affected the skills needed for their roles, and 78% anticipate AI will significantly influence their jobs within the next two years.
More than half (52%) expect AI to either “totally transform” or have a “major impact” on their positions in the near future, prompting 38% to feel the need to retrain as their roles risk becoming obsolete. However, the report highlighted that most employees (67%) view AI as an asset rather than a threat. In fact, 41% already use AI tools like generative AI for work, and 46% feel AI is making their jobs easier.
Furthermore, the report highlights the need for more guidance on AI usage, as 69% of workers said that their workplaces lack formal AI policies, and 25% admitted to leveraging AI without their employer’s knowledge.
In contrast, a separate survey from the British Standards Institution showed that UK business leaders are still more hesitant about AI than their global counterparts. Only 69% of UK leaders believe AI will transform manual roles, compared to 83% globally.
To address these concerns, Theresa Mayne, director of Line Manager Academy, suggests that line managers proactively discuss AI’s potential to enhance productivity and allow for more flexible work patterns. She emphasised that helping employees through retraining and upskilling is essential, especially when workers feel anxious about job changes.