- Nearly half of workers admit AI is already better at ‘routine tasks’
- Research shows that millions of jobs are threatened by automation
Experts predict that machines could take over all our jobs within a century.
But a survey of 16,000 employees found that many employees believe AI could already do this.
Nearly half admit that the technology can perform better on ‘routine tasks’ – while also paying more attention to detail.
The finding comes just weeks after a leading think tank warned that AI could take over eight million jobs in Britain if the government does not act quickly.
The ‘job apocalypse’ is expected to see admin and entry-level roles first, but will increasingly impact the higher-paid as it becomes more sophisticated.
A survey of 16,000 workers found that almost half admit technology can already outpace them in ‘routine tasks’ – and pay more attention to detail
The Future of Work Report from jobs website Indeed found that only one in three respondents were confident AI would have a positive impact on their role.
However, the majority – nine in ten – were confident they could adapt to the changes over the next five years.
Employees shared how many of their daily responsibilities were already ripe for automation – with three in five saying AI can perform data analysis better than humans.
Routine tasks (48%) and attention to detail (45%) were other tasks where employees felt AI had the upper hand.
Although repetitive jobs are well suited to AI, employees said they still felt confident they were better at critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence.
Experts are divided on the effect AI will have on the global labor market, but all agree that it will have, and is already having, a seismic impact.
Jobs website Indeed’s Future of Work Report shows that only one in three workers are confident AI will improve their jobs
BT last year unveiled plans to cut tens of thousands of jobs by 2030, with around 10,000 of those to be replaced by technology.
A survey of more than 2,700 AI researchers in January found that by 2116, AI could be “better and cheaper” than humans in every profession.
The date prediction is almost 50 years earlier than the same prediction from the previous year, highlighting how quickly the situation is improving.
A recent survey of 600 global CEOs found that many rushed to send “entry-level” staff to AI bootcamps to get them up to speed.
Hundreds admitted they also feared technology would one day take over their roles.
Many said they were already secretly using tools like ChatGPT to help them carry out their daily responsibilities – dismissing it as their own work.
Nick Baxter, CEO of The IN Group, said: ‘The reality is that many fast-growing companies are still struggling with the skills gap, an issue that ultimately hurts growth and slows down innovation.
“If we want to build a truly dynamic digital economy, companies need access to the latest AI and technology talent, helping ambitious companies reach their full potential.”
Tristan Wilkinson, head of public sector at AND Digital, said: ‘Businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet many are struggling to keep up with the pace of digital transformation.
‘Unlocking sustainable economic growth can only be achieved if businesses are given the support and specialist skills they need to embrace digital initiatives for the long term.’
Danny Stacy, UK Head of Talent Intelligence at Indeed, said: ‘It’s normal for employees to feel that AI will change their role, especially as we’re not yet fully aware of the impact of AI in the workplace.
‘But British workers are confident they can adapt and are generally more optimistic about the effects of technology on their jobs than they are sceptical, showing they are ready for any change that comes their way.’