How strongly one embraces generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace depends on how old they are and what type of workplace one has, new research from personnel agency Robert Half suggests.
Overall, 41% believe generative AI will have a positive impact on their career. That rate is triple the 14% who fear their skills may be rendered obsolete. One in four (26%) believe it will have no impact.
A clear majority of technology professionals, 63%, believe generative AI will create a higher demand for their talents. A slim majority of human resources personnel feel the same.
The younger you are, the more optimistic you will likely be about the benefits of generative AI. More than 60% of Generation Z and 57% of Millennials are hopeful. Those numbers plummet to 30% of Generation X and 21% of Baby Boomers.
“Given the hype around generative AI, it’s natural for workers to question the impact it will have on their immediate and long-term job prospects,” said Trisha Plovie, senior vice president of future of work at Robert Half. “What’s important right now is for both workers and employers to prioritize and understand the capabilities, benefits and risks it may present.”
Generative AI’s proponents are most excited about the technology’s ability to automate time-consuming tasks, with 35% citing that. A similar number, 30%, mentions increases in efficiency and productivity. Finance professionals are most excited about the automation of data entry, the streamlining of accounts payable and receivable, and the production of financial reports and dashboards. Human resources folks mention developing job descriptions, searching for candidates and conducting evaluations. The automation of customer feedback, scheduling and software development were other areas.
“Embracing generative AI in the workplace will require a clear set of guidelines and an openness to its potential to help alleviate routine tasks, improve productivity and free up time for more strategic projects,” Plovie said.
Robert Half surveyed more than 2,500 working adults and more than 2,000 hiring managers in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States.
