The vast majority (85%) of office workers believe AI will enhance their roles rather than replace them, finds a poll of 1,022 full-time in the US and the UK by Censuswide.
The study, sponsored by automation company Jitterbit, revealed that what people most anticipate includes spending less time getting information from work systems and applications (46%), and spending more time on thoughtful work, and on larger projects (both 33%).
Three in five (61%) office workers say they’re unconcerned about AI taking over human jobs and 96% think AI can improve their professional skills. Some 86% of office workers see AI as a valuable educational resource, rising to 98% for employees aged 18 to 25. The survey found that the top skills office workers wanted to learn through AI were analytical and statistical skills (36%), financial management skills (35%) and coding and development (32%).
Office roles perceived to be most suitable for AI replacement were: customer support (24%), coding (19%), reception work (17%), social influencers (17%) and parking wardens/attendants (15%). Those believed to be least likely to be replaced by AI included: teachers (11%), journalists (11%), lawyers (10%) and CEOs (10%).
Bill Conner, president and CEO of Jitterbit, said, “Rather than being distracted by negative headlines, office workers see beyond the AI hype. This is an evolution, not a revolution…AI is changing the world, and our research shows office workers are open to the true potential this incredible technology offers on a practical level.”
- On 14 November, Sam Isaacson will be speaking about AI and coaching at the Coaching at Work annual conference online