New research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping companies improve productivity, customer service, and efficiency, but many workers still have concerns about job security, entry-level opportunities, and what AI will mean for the future of work.
AI is rapidly becoming a mainstream tool in the workplace, with more than three-quarters of employers now using the technology within their organizations. According to a new study by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll, 76% of recruiters say their companies use AI in the workplace, and 62% of employed job seekers say the same about their organizations.
The findings highlight the growing conflict in the workplace. Businesses are increasingly deploying AI to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and address skills shortages, but many workers are concerned about how the technology will impact their careers and long-term prospects.
How AI makes it happen
This research suggests that AI is moving beyond experimentation and into everyday business operations. Examples of companies using AI:
- 43% of recruiters say AI has increased employee productivity.
- 38% say their company has become more efficient.
- 38% report increased creativity.
Employers also see AI as a potential solution to ongoing workforce and skills shortages. According to research:
- 71% believe AI could help address the shortage of skilled talent.
- 80% say the integration of AI tools is essential to closing future skills gaps.
- 61% expect AI to improve efficiency.
- 70% believe AI will free up employee time.
- 76% say AI will improve customer service.
The findings reflect broader trends across the global economy. A survey earlier this year revealed that businesses around the world continue to increase their investments in AI despite heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, showing that many business leaders believe AI is essential to their future competitiveness.
Other studies have confirmed that AI is already delivering measurable productivity gains, with some workers reporting time savings equivalent to an entire working day each week.
Balancing the human-AI connection
Despite concerns that AI could weaken the relationship between companies, employees, and customers, this research suggests that many employers have not yet seen evidence of this. In organizations using AI, 85% of recruiters say the personal connection between employees and customers remains unaffected.
This finding may help explain why many employers are becoming more comfortable integrating AI into their customer-facing and operational processes. But while employers appear optimistic about the benefits of AI, workers are less certain about the long-term impact.
Concerns about employee job security
The survey found that 90% of job seekers are concerned about the growing use of AI in the workplace. Meanwhile, 62% of recruiters say AI automation could reduce a company’s brand personality. Job seekers’ biggest concerns are:
- 42% are concerned that their employees will become overly dependent on technology.
- 37% are concerned that businesses will rely too much on AI to get tasks done.
- 36% believe entry-level employment opportunities will decrease.
- 36% are concerned that workers may lose important problem-solving skills over time.
The findings suggest that while workers recognize the benefits of AI, many remain concerned about the long-term impact on their careers, workplace culture, and professional development. These concerns reflect themes emerging across the broader labor market.
Recent reports have highlighted growing concerns that AI and automation will accelerate the decline of entry-level jobs, making it harder for young people to gain valuable work experience. Another study also found that many employees fear that AI will gradually weaken their critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills.
This research suggests that concerns become more pronounced when the conversation moves from productivity improvements to workforce size. 70% of hiring managers believe that employees are concerned that they will eventually be replaced by AI.
75% of job seekers are concerned that technology will result in companies needing fewer workers. The findings demonstrate a growing challenge for employers. While AI is often presented as a productivity tool, employees increasingly want reassurance that increased efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of work or career opportunities.
As organizations explore automation and cost reduction initiatives, questions about workforce reductions are becoming more prominent. Previous research found that seven in 10 companies are likely to cut spending as economic pressures and technological innovation continue to reshape business priorities.
Transparency, training and trust: guidance for employers
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, said organizations need to focus on helping employees understand how AI is used and how it can support human capabilities, rather than replace them.
“The future of work will be shaped by how companies help people work alongside AI,” Funk said. Workplace experts are increasingly arguing that responsible AI implementation should focus on transparency, training, and trust. So what should employers do next?
1. Communicate clearly
Learn how AI is used and how it can impact employees and roles.
2. Invest in skills development
Help your employees develop the skills they need to work effectively with AI technology.
3. Focus on augmentation, not replacement.
Position AI as a tool to empower your workforce, not just reduce your workforce.
4. Protect entry-level opportunities
Ensure that graduates, apprentices, and early career workers continue to have a path into the workforce.
5. Strengthening AI governance
Develop clear policies around accountability, privacy, transparency, and oversight.
The future of work depends on transparency and trust
This research suggests that the impact of AI on work is no longer a matter of the future, but is already happening. The challenge for employers is no longer whether to implement AI, but how to do so in a way that increases productivity while maintaining employee confidence.
For workers, this issue is equally important. As AI improves and becomes more widely used, the future of work may depend less on whether organizations adopt the technology and more on whether employees believe there are still meaningful roles for people with AI.
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