INTERNATIONAL: As artificial intelligence (AI) tools rapidly infiltrate the workforce, job security has become an increasingly pressing concern for many employees. According to a new report by Resume Now, featured on HRD Asia, nearly nine out of ten workers express anxiety over the impact of AI on their roles. With a significant portion of employees fearing job displacement, experts are urging employers to act swiftly to upskill their workforce and provide clarity about the future of work.
Growing fears over AI’s impact on job security
The widespread adoption of AI tools leaves workers with varying degrees of worry about job stability. Data from Resume Now highlights that 89% of employees are concerned about being replaced by AI, with 47% of respondents admitting they are only “slightly worried”, 34% moderately worried, and 8% extremely anxious. The data reveals that the spectre of AI-driven layoffs is not just a distant threat but a growing reality for many.
This concern is fuelled by real-world examples, with 43% of respondents indicating they know someone who has lost their job due to AI implementation. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has reported that 41% of employers plan to reduce their workforce by leveraging AI technology to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans. Companies like BT, Dukaan, and Klarna have already embraced AI to automate functions, resulting in significant workforce reductions.
As AI reshapes industries, job security anxiety is becoming a daily reality for millions of workers. Keith Spencer, a career expert at Resume Now, underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns, stressing that employees will feel left behind without clear communication and proper training.
Importance of empathetic leadership during times of transition
In the face of growing fears, management experts call on employers to lead with empathy as AI technology evolves. Joseph Macaluso, a management consultant at Eagle Hill Consulting, emphasizes the need for curiosity and transparency when navigating the integration of AI into the workplace. Leaders must engage with their employees, understand their anxieties, and openly discuss how AI will be implemented within the organization.
Macaluso highlights that leading with empathy means addressing employees’ concerns and offering them tools and resources to learn how to use new technologies effectively. This approach can significantly ease the transition and empower employees to adapt to an AI-driven work environment.
By fostering an empathetic work culture, employers can demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ professional growth and ensure a smoother transition into the AI era.
Upskilling and clear communication — Keys to reducing anxiety
Experts suggest that upskilling should be a priority for employers to counter the disruptive effects of AI. The WEF advises businesses to focus on three key strategies to ease the disruption caused by AI — providing high-quality training, establishing clear guidelines on using generative AI, and improving communication regarding job security.
Clear and regular communication is critical to helping employees understand how AI will affect their work. Employers should explain which tasks will be automated, which will be enhanced by AI, and how roles might evolve. Additionally, creating pathways to alternative or redesigned jobs is essential to minimizing the impact of AI-related layoffs.
With technological advancements accelerating, employers must invest in their employees’ skill development and communicate openly about the future of work. By doing so, businesses can help alleviate AI adoption’s uncertainty and ensure their workforce is equipped to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
AI is reshaping the future of work, and while concerns over job security are valid, employers can play a crucial role in helping employees adapt. Through empathy, upskilling, and transparent communication, businesses can foster a work environment where technology and people can thrive together.