AI at Work: Europe\’s Enthusiastic and Skeptical Nations
EU Workers’ Mixed View on AI
Across the European Union, the majority of employees feel that artificial intelligence is enhancing their daily tasks and boosting overall productivity. Yet, many are also apprehensive, fearing that advanced robotics could eventually replace their positions.
Key Takeaways
- Employees report positive outcomes from AI integration.
- Simultaneously, they express concerns about job security due to automation.
A third of Poles think AI should be used to ‘automatically fire people’
AI’s Role at Work in the EU: A Preference for Safety over Surveillance
When asked about the appropriate functions for artificial intelligence in professional settings, a majority of European respondents stressed caution. 67% of participants felt that AI should be restricted to promoting safety for employees, while far fewer see it as a tool for evaluating or monitoring staff.
Key Perceptions on AI Applications
- Performance Assessment: 36% believe AI could assess performance but only to a limited extent.
- Worker Monitoring: 31% accept monitoring as a permissible use of AI.
- Automatic Termination: 16% consider AI justified in firing individuals.
Country‑Specific Trends on Termination
Across the EU, attitudes on AI‑driven terminations vary by country:
- Poland: 33% of respondents support automatic firing.
- Romania: 28% accept the use of AI for layoffs.
- Cyprus: 25% are in favor of AI‑based terminations.
Overall, the consensus skews toward employing AI primarily as a safety instrument, reflecting a broader hesitation to resort to technology for punitive or evaluative purposes on the workplace.
Majority of people still afraid robots will ‘steal’ their jobs
Artificial Intelligence and Employment: Fear vs Optimism
Survey data reveal a contrasting view on the role of AI and robotics in the workplace. While a majority acknowledge their potential to accelerate productivity, more than half remain concerned that these technologies could lead to significant job displacement.
Key Findings
- Job Loss Anxiety – 66% of respondents fear that AI and robots will create employment gaps, a decline from 72% five years earlier.
- Global Impact Preview – The World Economic Forum projects that new tech could eliminate 83 million jobs worldwide by 2026.
- Sector Vulnerability – McKinsey highlights that in Europe the food service, arts, and wholesale/retail industries face the highest risks.
- Productivity Gains – An overwhelming 73% believe that robots and AI can speed up work processes.
- Age Differences – Youth aged 15–24 rate the impact of new technologies more positively (71%) than older workers over 55 (61%).
- Gender Disparity in Skills – 73% of men feel confident using advanced digital tools including AI, compared with 67% of women.
