A comprehensive new survey has exposed a significant gulf in perceptions between British employers and their staff regarding the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace. The findings highlight a climate of anxiety among workers, with profound implications for the future of employment across the nation.
Widespread Fear of Job Displacement
According to the annual world of work review conducted by the international recruitment giant Randstad, more than a quarter of UK workers – specifically 27% – are deeply concerned that their current roles could become obsolete within the next five years due to the rise of AI. This sentiment of job insecurity is becoming increasingly prevalent as automation technologies advance.
A Stark Divide in Expectations
The survey, which polled an impressive 27,000 workers and 1,225 organisations across 35 different countries, identified what Randstad terms a "mismatched AI expectations" gap. While two-thirds of UK employers (66%) reported having invested in AI over the past twelve months, and over half of workers (56%) noted a corporate push towards using AI tools, their views on the ultimate impact diverge sharply.
Just under half of the UK office workers surveyed (45%) believe that artificial intelligence will benefit companies far more than it will benefit employees. This perception fuels the anxiety and creates a disconnect between management and workforce priorities.
Generational Concerns and Labour Market Challenges
The data reveals a pronounced generational split in attitudes towards this technological shift. Younger workers, particularly those from Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012), express the highest levels of concern about AI's impact and their own ability to adapt to new demands.
In contrast, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), who are typically nearer the end of their careers, demonstrated greater self-assurance regarding the changes. This heightened anxiety among younger people entering the workforce is compounded by a cooling labour market and a strategic trend among business leaders.
Separate research indicates that many companies are choosing to invest in AI and automation specifically to address skills gaps, rather than investing in extensive training programmes for new hires. This approach adds considerable pressure on younger workers seeking to establish their careers.
The Reality of Role Replacement and Productivity Gains
The Randstad survey confirms that the increased deployment of AI and automation is progressively replacing what are described as "low-complexity, transactional roles." This shift, while threatening certain job categories, is viewed by some as a potential solution to persistent labour shortages in various industries, primarily through significant boosts in productivity.
In a positive sign, about 55% of UK workers surveyed acknowledged that AI has already made a positive impact on their personal productivity – a viewpoint that is largely echoed by their employers.
Bridging the "AI Reality Gap"
Sander van ‘t Noordende, the Chief Executive of Randstad, emphasised the need for a shift in perspective. "AI is not a rival to labour; it should be seen as key to augmenting tasks and highlighting the importance of roles that only people can do," he stated.
He warned of a dangerous "AI reality gap," noting: "While businesses race to embrace a new way of working, our data shows that one in five talent believe AI will have a limited impact on their tasks and nearly half perceive it as more beneficial to the company than themselves. This leaves them vulnerable in both their careers and the value they can add to organisations."
Global Impact and Skill Demand Surge
The pace of AI adoption is having a tangible global impact on workers. The survey found that four in five workers worldwide believe AI will affect their daily work tasks. Furthermore, demand for specific AI skills is skyrocketing; job vacancies requiring "AI agent" capabilities have surged by an astonishing 1,587% over the past year alone.
The potential societal ramifications of this rapid displacement have not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of business. Jamie Dimon, CEO of the US banking giant JP Morgan, recently addressed the issue at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He cautioned that governments and businesses must proactively support workers whose roles are displaced by technology, warning of the risk of "civil unrest" if they fail to do so.
As AI continues to reshape the professional landscape, the survey underscores an urgent need for clearer communication, targeted reskilling initiatives, and collaborative strategies to ensure the benefits of automation are shared equitably and workforce anxieties are proactively addressed.
