The latest Eurobarometer survey reveals a nuanced picture of how EU workers perceive the impact of AI on their jobs. While 66% believe that AI and digital technologies are currently benefiting their work, 21% think AI is having a detrimental effect. Malta, Sweden, and Lithuania are the most positive countries, with 85%, 78%, and 76% rates of AI positivity, respectively. On the other hand, Romania, Italy, Portugal, France, and Belgium are the most sceptical countries, with 32%, 25%, 24%, 23%, and 23% rates, respectively. Interestingly, these sceptical countries also show the lowest proficiency levels in using new technologies.
When it comes to how AI should be used at work, the majority of EU workers believe that its role should be limited to ensuring worker safety (67%), rather than directly assessing performances (36%), monitoring workers (31%), or automatically firing people (16%). However, countries like Poland, Romania, and Cyprus show particularly high rates of people who believe AI should be used to automatically fire individuals. Despite a generally positive attitude towards AI, 66% of EU workers still fear that AI and robots will lead to job losses. This fear is slightly less pronounced than it was five years ago, when 72% expressed concern.
A World Economic Forum report supports these fears, estimating that 83 million jobs could be lost globally in the next three years due to new technologies. McKinsey has also identified potential job losses in sectors like food services, the arts, and wholesale and retail in Europe. Despite these concerns, the majority of respondents (73%) agree that robots and AI have the potential to increase the pace at which jobs can be completed. Interestingly, younger respondents aged 15 to 24 are more positive about the impact of new technologies on their jobs (71%) compared to those aged 55 and older (61%). Additionally, men are more likely than women to consider themselves skilled enough to use digital technologies, including AI, in their daily lives.
Overall, the Eurobarometer survey highlights a mix of optimism and concern among EU workers regarding the impact of AI on their jobs. While many believe that AI and digital technologies are currently benefiting their work, there is still a significant fear of job losses due to automation. The attitudes towards AI usage at work vary across different countries, with some being more positive and others more sceptical. It is clear that the development and implementation of AI technologies in the workplace will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion among workers in the EU.
