Employers urged to lead with empathy as employees worry about impact of AI: survey
Nearly nine in 10 employees have concerns over job security due to the widespread adoption of AI tools that are becoming widespread, according to a new report, which urged employers to upskill employees to ensure no one is left behind.
Data from Resume Now revealed that 89% of employees have varying degrees of concerns over being replaced by rapidly developing AI tools:
Slightly worried (47%)
Moderately worried (34%)
Extremely worried (8%)
These worries come as 43% of the respondents said they know someone who has lost their job due to AI, a reality predicted by other sources.
The World Economic Forum's recent report found that 41% of employers plan to downsize their workforce where AI can replicate people's work.
Some of this downsizing is already taking place:
Telecoms giant BT plans to replace 10,000 employees with AI as part of a larger reduction of 55,000 jobs by the end of the decade, according to a BBC report.
Indian e-commerce firm Dukaan also replaced 90% of its support staff with AI in 2023.
Fintech firm Klarna also ceased hiring in 2023 as it hiked adoption of AI that can automate tasks previously handled by employees, the International Business Times reported.
"With AI reshaping the workforce in real-time, job security is no longer an abstract concern — it's a daily reality for millions of workers," said Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now, in a statement. "Without clear communication, ethical AI policies, and proper training, workers will continue to feel left behind."
In the wake of AI-triggered layoffs across the world, employers are urged to step up and take steps to ease employees' growing job security concerns.
Joseph Macaluso, a management consultant from Eagle Hill Consulting, stressed the importance of leading with empathy amid fears brought about by AI.
"Leading with empathy requires curiosity and transparency," Macaluso said. "Curiosity to understand your staff's anxieties around AI, the common challenges they experience, and how AI can support; and transparency to openly discuss how the organisation plans to navigate the implementation of AI together."
According to the consultant, leading with empathy is being transparent to employees on AI implementation and listening to their feedback.
"It also means providing tools and resources so your workforce can learn how to use new technology effectively," he added.
Macaluso's remark echoes similar advice from other experts and research, which encouraged upskilling to ensure employees can catch up with rapid technological development in the workplace.
The WEF last year suggested that employers can ease the disruption from AI in three ways:
Providing high-quality training.
Dispensing clear guidelines on generative AI use.
Improving messaging about job security.
"Business leaders need to communicate clearly and regularly with workers about how generative AI will affect work, which activities will be substituted, augmented or transformed and the potential implications for jobs," the WEF said.
"Another option is to create pathways to alternative or redesigned jobs."
