Americans worried about AI in the workplace poll.
Americans worried about AI in the workplace poll.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workers’ Well-being
Could an algorithm take your job someday? This question is causing concern among U.S. workers, according to a recent poll conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The impact of artificial intelligence, or AI, is causing anxiety among workers for various reasons. Some employees feel uneasy about the increasing monitoring and tracking implemented by their employers. Others worry that AI advancements will render their job roles obsolete.
Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the APA, emphasizes the importance of employers investing in their employees’ education about the implications of AI and providing opportunities for feedback. He suggests that open and honest communication from employers can alleviate employees’ anxieties about the unknown and improve their overall well-being, which in turn leads to higher organizational performance.
In the APA poll, which surveyed over 2,500 employed adults in the second half of April, nearly 40% expressed concerns that AI could make their job duties obsolete. Interestingly, around 64% of those worried about AI also reported feeling tense or stressed during their workday, compared to only 38% of those without such concerns.
The level of worry about job obsolescence varied significantly based on educational background. Workers with a high school education or less were more likely to fear job loss due to AI advancements, with 44% expressing worry compared to 34% of those with a four-year college degree.
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Additionally, the poll revealed differing levels of concern across racial and ethnic groups. Around 50% of Black workers, 46% of Hispanic workers, 44% of Asian workers, and 34% of white workers expressed significant worry regarding potential job obsolescence brought on by AI.
The poll also highlighted the prevalence of employee monitoring. Approximately 51% of workers across different workplaces reported that their employers use technology to monitor them on the job. This monitoring was observed in 49% of office workers, 49% of manual laborers, and 55% of customer/client/patient services workers.
It was apparent that being monitored had a negative impact on employee morale. Of those who reported being monitored, 46% stated feeling uncomfortable, compared to only 23% of workers who were not monitored. Additionally, 51% felt micromanaged (compared to 33% of non-monitored workers), and 39% experienced emotional exhaustion at work (compared to 22% of non-monitored workers).
Interestingly, the poll found that almost 40% of workers worried about AI also believed they were not valued by their employers. Similarly, monitored employees reported feeling undervalued at work compared to their non-monitored peers.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace identifies “mattering at work” as one of the essential factors in strengthening workplace well-being. Feeling appreciated and valued in their roles allows employees to experience a greater sense of meaning and increases their ability to manage stress effectively. On the other hand, employees who feel replaceable due to AI or constantly monitored are less likely to believe that their work has a meaningful impact.
It is crucial for employers to consider the impact of technology on their employees. By ensuring that new technologies enhance rather than diminish the sense of meaning in their work, employers create a more positive and productive work environment.
The concerns raised in this poll highlight the significance of addressing workers’ fears and integrating AI in a way that balances productivity and well-being. Open dialogue, education, and opportunities for feedback can help ease employees’ anxiety about AI and create a more harmonious and effective work culture.
For more information on mental health in the workplace, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Source: American Psychological Association, news release, September 7, 2023
