Key Takeaways:
- Four in five workers believe artificial intelligence (AI) will impact their daily tasks at work
- Job vacancies requiring "AI agent" skills have surged by 1,587%
- AI and automation are increasingly replacing low-complexity, transactional roles
- Gen Z is the most concerned generation about the impact of AI on their jobs
- Nearly half of workers fear AI will benefit corporations more than the workforce
Introduction to AI in the Workplace
The increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is a growing concern for many workers. According to a survey conducted by Randstad, a global recruitment agency, four in five workers believe that AI will impact their daily tasks at work. This concern is particularly pronounced among Gen Z workers, who are the most concerned about the impact of AI on their jobs. As Randstad CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende noted, "What we generally see amongst employees is that they are enthusiastic about AI… but they may also be sceptical in the sense that companies want what companies always want: they want to save costs and increase efficiency."
The Rise of AI in Job Vacancies
The survey also found that job vacancies requiring "AI agent" skills have surged by 1,587%. This significant increase is a clear indication that companies are increasingly relying on AI chatbots and automation to perform tasks that were previously done by humans. The report noted that AI and automation are increasingly replacing low-complexity, transactional roles, which is likely to have a significant impact on the job market. As the report stated, "Gen Z is the most concerned generation, while Baby Boomers show greater self-assurance and are the least worried about AI’s impact and their ability to adapt."
Impact on Labour Markets
The increasing use of AI in the workplace is also having a significant impact on labour markets. With companies ramping up job cuts and consumer sentiment dimming, the labour market is under immense pressure. The report noted that AI-focused tech firms have started to replace jobs with automation, even as most companies still await tangible returns from an exceptional investment boom into AI. This has led to a discrepancy in how employers and workers view business performance, with 95% of surveyed employers forecasting growth for this year, while only 51% of employees shared this optimism.
Worker Concerns about AI
The survey also found that nearly half of the workers interviewed fear that AI will benefit corporations more than the workforce. This concern is likely driven by the fact that AI is being used to increase efficiency and reduce costs, which may lead to job losses and reduced job security. As the report noted, "What we generally see amongst employees is that they are enthusiastic about AI… but they may also be sceptical in the sense that companies want what companies always want: they want to save costs and increase efficiency." This skepticism is understandable, given the potential impact of AI on job security and the fact that many workers may not have the skills to adapt to an AI-driven workplace.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The increasing presence of AI in the workplace is a significant concern for many workers, particularly among Gen Z. As companies continue to invest in AI and automation, it is likely that we will see significant changes in the job market. While AI may bring many benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity, it also poses significant challenges for workers who may not have the skills to adapt to an AI-driven workplace. As Randstad CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende noted, companies need to be aware of the concerns of their employees and work to address them. By doing so, companies can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by both the corporation and the workforce, and that workers are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/young-workers-most-worried-about-ai-affecting-jobs-randstad-survey-shows-2026-01-19/
