Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
The rapid adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace has caused major changes over the past few years.
While job seekers have seen benefits in using AI to create resumes and cover letters — and even find jobs with the help of AI — they’ve also expressed concerns about AI’s impact on their job security.
To learn more about employees’ experiences using AI and the perceived impact of AI on the evolving world of work, FlexJobs surveyed more than 3,000 US professionals between Aug. 5, 2024, and Aug. 18, 2024.
As AI Adoption Grows, So Do Concerns About Job Stability
FlexJobs’ 2024 Future of Work Report found that, compared to the 2023 survey, adoption of AI increased by 10% among employees using AI for professional and work-related purposes (21%).
This growth affects many job seekers because of the perceived impact it may have on their job security. More than one-third (34%) of respondents believe that AI will lead to job displacement in the next five years.
“From job searches and cover letter writing to workplace tasks, AI is changing the way people approach their professional lives,” said Keith Spencer, career expert at FlexJobs.
“When it comes to job hunting, those who have already used AI tools can have a competitive edge with other candidates, because many employers are looking for talent with AI experience.”
AI Statistics: Use of AI Differs Between Generations at Work
While almost half (49%) of respondents shared that they do not currently use AI, those who use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) indicated that their use of AI is primarily for personal reasons (22%) rather than work reasons.
In addition, nearly 1 in 5 respondents (19%) said they are turning to AI to support their job search efforts, such as resume writing.
Here is a full breakdown of the use of ChatGPT and other types of AI between 2023 and 2024:
- No, I don’t use ChatGPT or other forms of Al: 2023 – 59%; 2024 – 49%
- Yes, in my personal life: 2023 – 17%; 2024 – 22%
- Yes, I use AI at work and in my personal life: 2023 – 11%; 2024 – 21%
- Yes, I use AI for work-related activities with my supervisor’s permission: 2023 – 7%; 2024 — 4%
- Yes, I use AI to perform work-related tasks, but my boss doesn’t know: 2023 – 6%; 2024 — 2%
Use of AI by generation
Among the generations surveyed, millennials were more willing to use AI for personal and professional use (24%) compared to Gen X (21%) and baby boomers (16%). FlexJobs’ Future of Work report also found the following about Al usage:
No, I don’t use ChatGPT or other forms of Al:
- Millennials: 42%
- Gen X: 48%
- Boomers: 60%
Yes, I use AI in my personal life:
- Millennials: 25%
- Gen X: 21%
- Boomers: 17%
I use Al to support my job search efforts, such as resumes and cover letters:
- Millennials: 24%
- Gen X: 20%
- Boomers: 12%
Employee Confidence in AI Knowledge and Skills is Low
While adoption of AI has increased among professionals, their confidence in their knowledge of AI and the skills needed to use it has not. In fact, only 17% of respondents rated their ability to use AI as “good” (13%) or “very good” (4%). The majority of respondents fell between “good” (37%), “fair” (25%), and “poor” (21%).
By generation, millennials reported greater confidence in their ability to use AI tools, with 43% rating their AI knowledge and skills as “good.” This ratio was slightly lower for Gen X (37%) and boomers (32%).
Here’s how each generation rates AI knowledge and skills, according to our research:
- Poor: millennials – 16%; Gen X – 22%; boomers – 26%
- Good: millennials – 22%; Gen X – 26%; boomers – 27%
- Good: millennials – 43%; Gen X – 37%; boomers – 32%
- Good: millennials – 15%; Gen X – 11%; boomers – 11%
- Very good: millennials – 4%; Gen X – 4%; boomers – 4%
Increased Productivity and Work Safety Cited as Top Impacts of AI
More than half (52%) of respondents to FlexJobs’ Future of Work Report expressed no concern about the impact of AI on their jobs.
However, 48% of respondents believe that AI currently threatens (9%) or may threaten (39%) their job security in the future. Specifically, 34% fear that AI will lead to job displacement, and 9% said AI will make their current job obsolete in the next five years.
Compared to FlexJobs’ 2023 survey, where only 31% of respondents viewed AI as a current or potential threat to their job security, the 17% increase highlights the growing uncertainty among employees about the role of AI in the future of work.
This concern about AI taking over jobs is evenly split between generations, with Gen X (49%) and millennials (48%) showing a slightly higher response than boomers (45%).
The Impact of AI on Job Security
Here’s a look at the concerns surrounding AI’s impact on job security.
Al currently threatens or may threaten my safety at work in the future:
- Millennials: 48%
- Gen X: 49%
- Boomers: 45%
I’m not worried about Al’s impact on my job security:
- Millennials: 52%
- Gen X: 51%
- Boomers: 55%
How Employees Feel AI Will Affect Their Work
Despite growing concern and uncertainty about AI’s replacement of the workplace and its overall impact on the future of work, respondents cited key benefits of AI. These benefits include increased productivity, improved skills, and access to new job opportunities.
Key ways that employees feel AI will impact their jobs in the next five years include:
- Changing work processes: 45%
- To increase productivity and efficiency: 41%
- Automating work-related tasks: 41%
- Developing skills: 31%
- Creating new job opportunities: 23%
- The most disruptive industries: 15%
Embracing the AI of Today and the Future
Whether you use AI at home, at work, or both, it is increasingly common to use AI in our daily lives and daily work responsibilities.
From using AI to strengthen your job application materials to participating in AI conversations, it’s clear that AI is here to stay.
Therefore, it is wise to consider how AI can impact your job search and long-term career and familiarize yourself with popular AI tools to stay competitive in today’s job market.
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