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CivicScience and idealis recently hosted a webinar on the impact of AI in the workforce, including how this evolving technology is impacting quality of life, productivity, and the perception of job security, among other key topics. Amidst the recent boom in Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, many companies have to decide how best to integrate this powerful technology into their workflows while maintaining their company culture.
Especially given that nearly half of the U.S. workforce uses AI for professional purposes — and that 25% of those who use AI do so multiple times a day — now is the time for companies to get ahead of the curve and ensure that AI can work for them. Learn how to access the webinar recording by clicking here.
1. Attitudes toward AI saw a positive shift
In the last two years, attitudes towards AI have dramatically transformed. As the data show, optimism around AI’s impact has increased 12 percentage points since February 2023. Negative sentiment has dropped 13 percentage points in the same timeframe, suggesting that early fears are beginning to give way due to greater familiarity.
What Do You Think? To what extent do you agree or disagree that AI tool use should be restricted in the work environment?
2. AI is boosting productivity
Not all work tasks are considered equal–even for a robot. According to nearly half (48%) of U.S. workers, AI can specifically increase productivity in ‘performing routine tasks.’ Another area where AI shines is ‘communicating ideas effectively.’ That said, the U.S. workforce still sees clear gaps in what AI can do, as 36% of respondents said they expect the technology to decrease productivity when it comes to ‘accessing trustworthy information,’ and 31% expected a decrease in ‘delivering quality work without mistakes.’
It’s also worth noting that leaders are more likely to feel that AI increases their productivity, compared to non-leaders. All of this suggests that while AI is a multifaceted tool, there are still some tasks that U.S. workers may prefer to do themselves.
3. Exposure to AI shapes perspective
Americans are on shaky ground regarding job security, as 56% of U.S. workers fear their job situation. Despite the aforementioned optimism around the benefits of AI, many U.S. workers are concerned about the impact this technology will have on their employment. As the data show, AI-users are far more likely to be fearful of the way AI will impact their livelihoods, compared to non-users. This indicates that the more exposure to AI, the better individuals can understand its capabilities and impact. How companies choose to mitigate this concern–whether through increased education, exposure or through other methods–remains to be seen.
Take Our Poll: Are you concerned about AI replacing jobs?
Within the workforce, AI clearly has a seat at the table. And while Americans can largely imagine a world where AI supports them with specific tasks, an undercurrent of fear remains. Will this technology reduce jobs in a major way, or simply support better productivity for the long term? While the answer to that question is evolving, what is clear is that AI is disrupting the workforce. Companies looking to make the most of this technology will benefit from strong leadership in order to embrace the many changes that this technology may have in store.
