Your Gen Z hires may be more concerned about artificial intelligence taking over their jobs compared to older baby boomers, despite being the most tech-savvy generation entering the workforce.
Indeed’s AI director suggests that this fear is supported by data. While 25% of job seekers globally worry about AI’s impact at work, this number rises to over 30% among individuals aged 18 to 24. Indeed surveyed 3,500 leaders and 3,743 job seekers across the U.K., the United States, Canada, India, France, Japan, and Germany.
In contrast, the fear diminishes to below 15% for those above 45. The older employees may have encountered technological advancements like computers and the internet earlier in their careers.
For instance, the investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts that AI could potentially replace 300 million full-time jobs worldwide in the coming years. This looming threat understandably unsettles the younger workforce, particularly 27-year-olds, who are at the forefront of technological changes.
A study by EduBirdie found that 3 out of 5 Gen Zers are worried about losing their jobs to AI within the next decade, with 10% fearing it could happen as soon as this year.
While experienced workers understand the inevitability of industrial progress and are confident in their ability to adapt, younger employees are navigating this uncertainty for the first time, making them more susceptible to fear and apprehension.
It’s worth noting that similar concerns arose during the introduction of computers in the 1980s. However, history has shown that most fears surrounding technological advancements rarely materialize.
Despite the potential displacement of certain roles by AI, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna believes that the technology will create more jobs than it eliminates. He emphasizes the importance of embracing and understanding AI’s potential benefits rather than fearing its impact on employment.
Calhoon recommends that employees familiarize themselves with AI technology to leverage its capabilities and enhance their efficiency at work. Embracing technological advancements has historically led to the evolution and creation of new job opportunities, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the workforce in the face of change.
