Third of people would like workplace AI ban, half feel jobs are insecure

A new poll from CYPHER Learning claims that one in three workers would like to see AI banned from the workplace, while nearly half express concern that AI poses a threat to their future job security. The study, suggests that women, workers over the age of 55, and those in clerical or manual labour roles feel most at risk. The survey of 4,543 workers across the US, UK, and Mexico found that AI is reshaping job roles, with 63 percent of respondents reporting that AI technologies has already changed the skills required for their jobs. More than half of those surveyed (52 percent) believe that AI will either completely transform or have a major impact on their roles within the next two years. As a result, 38 percent of workers anticipate the need for retraining due to job obsolescence, and almost half (45 percent) are worried about their future job security.

Despite these concerns, many workers remain optimistic about the changes AI brings. A significant portion, 67 percent, view AI as a positive force, with 41 percent already using generative AI (GenAI) in their work. Additionally, 46 percent of workers report that AI is making their jobs easier, while 43 percent appreciate how AI helps reduce tedious administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic, high-value work.

However, the study also reveals a growing digital divide, as not all workers are equally benefiting from AI advancements. Younger employees, men, and senior management are more likely to use AI and enjoy experimenting with it, whereas women, older workers, and those in clerical or manual jobs are less likely to see AI as beneficial. This divide is evident in how these groups perceive technology’s impact on their roles, with fewer women and older workers feeling that AI is improving their job experience.

There is also a clear call for more guidance regarding AI use in the workplace. According to the survey, 69 percent of workers believe that organisations need clearer AI policies, while 33 percent advocate for a total ban on AI in the workplace. Furthermore, one in four workers admits to using AI without their employer’s knowledge.

The survey suggests that 73 percent of workers believe AI skills will be crucial for their roles within the next five years, with 45 percent considering such skills to be essential or very important. However, only 25 percent of workers have received AI training, highlighting a significant gap in workforce preparedness. This divide is especially pronounced among older workers and women; only 11 percent of workers over 55 have received AI training, compared to 30 percent of workers aged 18 to 44, and just 18 percent of women report having AI training, compared to 36 percent of men. Senior management is also far more likely to have received AI training, with 58 percent reporting training compared to just 11 percent of clerical or manual workers.

Many workers expressed frustration with the current state of technology training. Nearly half (48 percent) are concerned about their company’s future due to a lack of investment in developing new technology skills, while 46 percent said they struggle to keep up with the tech skills required for their roles, and 53 percent reported that their tech training quickly becomes outdated

Image: Frans Hals, Young Man with a Skull, National Gallery, London