European Tech Workers Show Confidence in the Impact of AI on Their Jobs
According to a recent survey conducted by HR tech company HiBob, European technology sector workers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and defying predictions of job losses. The survey, which involved 2,000 young tech workers across Europe, revealed that 4 out of 5 respondents believe AI will have a positive impact on their work.
Despite warnings that AI could lead to widespread redundancies, the survey found that 78% of the young European tech workers expressed confidence in the technology’s potential impact on their roles. This indicates a significant level of optimism within the industry, even in the face of predictions by Goldman Sachs earlier this year, which estimated that AI could replace 300 million full-time jobs.
Interestingly, the survey also highlighted a disparity in confidence levels among European countries. The United Kingdom emerged as the leader in terms of confidence, with over 85% of young tech workers expressing either somewhat or very confident views about the advances in AI and tech. Moreover, 78% of British workers believed that AI would enhance their productivity, efficiency, and creativity. However, it is worth noting that 9% of respondents stated that they never plan to use AI tools.
In the context of AI’s impact on British jobs, Ian Hogarth, the new leader of the UK government’s AI taskforce, warned that protecting British jobs will become increasingly challenging as AI becomes more sophisticated. He highlighted the global nature of competition in the AI field and the potential for winners and losers on a global scale.
A separate study conducted by the UN’s International Labour Organisation in August shed light on a potential gender disparity in job automation caused by AI. This study suggested that women may be at a higher risk of having their jobs automated by AI compared to men. However, the report also emphasized that AI would not replace human labor entirely but transform the nature of work.
The sector most likely to be affected by generative AI, according to the UN study, is clerical work. It is important to note that the UN underlines the potential for generative AI to both automate and augment clerical work, serving as a tool for productivity enhancement rather than solely a job replacement.
Overall, European tech workers remain confident in the positive impact of AI on their work, despite concerns about job losses. The survey results highlight the potential for AI to enhance productivity and efficiency, particularly in the UK where optimism levels are highest. It is clear that AI will transform the nature of work rather than completely eliminate it. As the world embraces the possibilities of AI, it is crucial to address the challenges and opportunities it presents, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and job protection.
