According to a survey by Grant Thornton, 44% of U.S. employees reported that artificial intelligence (AI) processes had been integrated into their roles within the last year alone.
It’s hard to ignore that AI transforms the workplace faster than many could have predicted. AI is increasingly becoming embedded in our everyday tasks, from data processing and customer interactions to content generation and analytics.
But alongside the excitement for efficiency and innovation, there’s a creeping worry about job security—28% of U.S. workers now fear AI will diminish their roles or replace them entirely.
Why Are Workers Worried if AI Will Diminish or Replace Their Role?
The workplace has seen technological shifts before, but AI feels different. Traditionally, automation replaced repetitive, low-skill jobs, mostly in manual labor. However, the Brookings Institution’s recent report on generative AI indicates that this wave of AI could disrupt a wide range of roles, particularly in middle- to higher-paid professions.
Jobs involving nonroutine, cognitive functions are now at risk, meaning roles that were once considered “safe” from automation—like analysis, decision-making, and creative tasks—are now directly affected.
Here are some of the data and insights to understand how employees feel about AI’s growing presence in the workplace.
Job Security Concerns
The fear that AI could reduce or replace jobs is real, with 28% of employees expressing concern. The notion that AI could take over meaningful aspects of their roles adds an extra layer of stress to the already fast-paced work environment. Some experts argue that this fear comes from a lack of understanding and familiarity with AI technology—employees may feel less threatened if they know how AI could support rather than replace their work.
While AI can make tasks easier and more efficient, it can also create a sense of insecurity among workers who wonder, "Will I be needed if a machine can do my job?"
Rising Burnout and Mental Health Decline
The Grant Thornton survey also uncovered a concerning trend in employee well-being. Around 32% of respondents said their mental well-being has declined over the past year, and 61% reported experiencing burnout. With AI potentially changing the nature of their roles, employees now face multiple pressures: adapting to new technologies, keeping up with rising demands, and managing fears about job security.
The primary causes of burnout cited in the study are:
Mental and emotional stress (53%)
Long working hours (42%)
Heavy workloads (42%)
Staff shortages (41%)
The findings indicate a strong need for companies to rethink how they support their employees, especially in times of technological transition.
The Role of Leaders in Easing AI Anxiety
The anxiety surrounding AI in the workplace isn’t just a personal problem for employees; it’s also a management challenge. Leaders play a role in setting the tone and providing the resources employees need to thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
According to the survey, 76% of HR leaders have already taken note, with plans to revamp performance management processes. By using AI to offer more frequent and development-oriented feedback, these leaders hope to give employees a clearer sense of how they’re performing and where they can grow, which can alleviate some of the uncertainty around AI.
Experts suggest that business leaders should actively help employees adapt to AI by:
Providing transparent information on how AI is being used in the company.
Offering training programs to familiarize employees with AI technologies and teach them how to use these tools effectively.
Creating an open dialogue around AI's role in the workplace to foster trust and reduce fear.
Who Will Be Most Affected by AI?
For years, automation has primarily affected blue-collar jobs, particularly those that are routine and repetitive. However, the Brookings report paints a different picture of AI’s potential. Unlike past automation waves, generative AI has the potential to disrupt nonroutine tasks that require cognitive skills. This shift could impact jobs in finance, marketing, law, and management—roles traditionally considered “safe” from automation.
Over 30% of workers could experience at least half of their job tasks disrupted by generative AI. This means that the nature of work itself could change, requiring new skills and adaptability across a wide range of industries.
The Opportunity and Need for Preparedness
While AI’s presence can be intimidating, it also offers unique opportunities. According to Brookings, AI has the potential to boost incomes, enhance productivity, and create new roles that don’t exist today. The key to maximizing these benefits lies in preparedness—both for employees and companies. However, Brookings points out that most organizations haven’t yet put in place sufficient measures to prepare for the AI shift. Without proactive steps, the risks of job displacement, skill devaluation, and job insecurity remain high.
How Companies Can Respond to AI-Related Challenges
As AI becomes more prevalent, companies need to recognize that it’s not just about introducing new technology but also about addressing the concerns and well-being of their employees.
Invest in Training and Skill Development
As job roles evolve, so should employee skills. Providing training on AI-related tools and technologies helps employees feel more capable and reduces fears about being left behind.
Promote Mental Health and Reduce Burnout
Organizations should consider policies that support mental well-being, such as offering mental health resources, encouraging work-life balance, and providing flexibility where possible.
Clarify the Role of AI in the Workplace
When employees understand AI’s role in the organization, they’re less likely to feel threatened by it. Companies can hold workshops or informational sessions to demystify AI and its capabilities.
Embracing AI with Caution and Confidence
The potential of AI to transform work is undeniable, but so are the challenges that come with it. The insights from Grant Thornton and Brookings reveal a pressing need for companies to not only adopt AI technology thoughtfully but also consider the human side of this transformation. For employees, AI doesn’t have to mean the end of job security. Instead, it can be a tool to enhance and support their roles, provided they have the support, training, and understanding to use it effectively.
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