Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
The rapid adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace has resulted in some major shifts over the past few years.
While job seekers have seen benefits in using AI to build resumes and cover letters — and even finding jobs with AI assistance — they’ve also expressed concerns about AI’s impact on their job security.
To learn more about workers’ experiences with using AI and the perceived impact of AI on the evolving world of work, FlexJobs polled more than 3,000 U.S.-based professionals between Aug. 5, 2024, and Aug. 18, 2024.
As AI Adoption Grows, So Do Concerns About Job Stability
FlexJobs’ 2024 Future of Work Report found that, compared with a 2023 survey, AI adoption is up 10% among workers who use AI for professional and work-related purposes (21%).
This growth is concerning to many job seekers because of the perceived impact it may have on their job security. More than one-third (34%) of respondents believe AI will lead to job displacement in the next five years.
“From career searches and cover letter writing to on-the-job tasks, AI is transforming the way people approach their professional lives,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at FlexJobs.
“When it comes to job hunting, those who have already adopted AI tools may gain a competitive advantage over other candidates, as many employers are actively seeking talent with AI experience.”
AI Statistics: AI Use Varies Among Generations at Work
While nearly half (49%) of respondents shared that they do not currently use AI, those who do use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) indicated that their use of AI is primarily for personal reasons (22%) rather than professional reasons.
Furthermore, nearly 1 in 5 respondents (19%) said they are turning to AI to support their job search efforts, such as resume and cover letter writing.
Here’s a full breakdown of the use of ChatGPT and other forms of AI between 2023 and 2024:
- No, I do not use ChatGPT or other forms of Al: 2023 — 59%; 2024 — 49%
- Yes, in my personal life: 2023 — 17%; 2024 — 22%
- Yes, I use AI both at work and in my personal life: 2023 — 11%; 2024 — 21%
- Yes, I use AI for work-related tasks with my manager’s permission: 2023 — 7%; 2024 — 4%
- Yes, I use AI for work-related tasks, but my manager does not know: 2023 — 6%; 2024 — 2%
Use of AI by Generation
Among the generations surveyed, millennials were the most willing to adopt AI for personal and professional use (24%) when compared with Gen X (21%) and baby boomers (16%). FlexJobs’ Future of Work Report also found the following about the use of Al:
No, I do not use ChatGPT or other forms of Al:
- Millennials: 42%
- Gen X: 48%
- Boomers: 60%
Yes, I use AI in my personal life:
- Millennials: 25%
- Gen X: 21%
- Boomers: 17%
I use Al to support my job search efforts, such as writing resumes and cover letters:
- Millennials: 24%
- Gen X: 20%
- Boomers: 12%
Worker Confidence in AI Knowledge and Skills Is Low
Although AI adoption has increased among professionals, their confidence in their knowledge of AI and the skills needed to use it has not. In fact, only 17% of respondents rated their ability to use AI as “great” (13%) or “excellent” (4%). The majority of respondents fell somewhere between “good” (37%), “fair” (25%), and “poor” (21%).
By generation, millennials reported the most confidence in their abilities to use AI tools, with 43% rating their AI knowledge and skills as “good.” This rating was slightly lower for Gen X (37%) and boomers (32%).
Here’s how each generation rates their AI knowledge and skills, according to our survey:
- Poor: millennials — 16%; Gen X — 22%; boomers — 26%
- Fair: millennials — 22%; Gen X — 26%; boomers — 27%
- Good: millennials — 43%; Gen X — 37%; boomers — 32%
- Great: millennials — 15%; Gen X — 11%; boomers — 11%
- Excellent: millennials — 4%; Gen X — 4%; boomers — 4%
Increased Productivity and Job Security Cited as Top AI Impacts
Over half (52%) of respondents to FlexJobs’ Future of Work Report expressed no concerns about AI’s impact on their careers.
However, 48% of respondents believe AI is currently threatening (9%) or may threaten (39%) their job security in the future. More specifically, 34% fear that AI will lead to job displacement, and 9% said AI will make their current job obsolete in the next five years.
Compared to FlexJobs’ 2023 survey, in which only 31% of respondents viewed AI as a current or potential threat to their job security, the 17% increase highlights workers’ growing uncertainty around AI’s role in the future of work.
This concern about AI taking over jobs is split fairly evenly between generations, with Gen X (49%) and millennials (48%) showing only a slightly higher response than boomers (45%).
AI’s Impact on Job Security
Here’s a breakdown of generational concerns about AI’s impact on job security.
Al is currently threatening or may threaten my job security in the future:
- Millennials: 48%
- Gen X: 49%
- Boomers: 45%
I’m not concerned about Al’s impact on my job security:
- Millennials: 52%
- Gen X: 51%
- Boomers: 55%
How Workers Feel AI Will Impact Their Careers
Despite growing concerns and uncertainty about AI replacing jobs and its overall impact on the future of work, respondents cited some key advantages of AI. These advantages included increased productivity, enhanced skills, and access to new job opportunities.
The key ways workers feel AI will impact their careers in the next five years include:
- Changing work processes: 45%
- Increasing productivity and efficiency: 41%
- Automating job-related tasks: 41%
- Enhancing skills: 31%
- Creating new job opportunities: 23%
- Significantly disrupting industries: 15%
Adopting AI for Today and the Future
Whether you’re using AI at home, at work, or both, it’s becoming increasingly common to leverage AI in our everyday lives and day-to-day job responsibilities.
From utilizing AI to strengthen your job application materials to participating in AI interviews, it’s clear that AI is here to stay.
As such, it’s wise to consider how AI can impact your job search and long-term career and familiarize yourself with popular AI tools to remain competitive in the modern job market.
