At a time when technological developments are altering the fundamental fabric of our professional world, the emergence of AI in the workplace is both a forerunner of innovation and a warning sign of what lies next. Employers find themselves at the crossroads of enthusiasm and fear as they wrestle with the revolutionary effects of AI.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) is massive, from reducing waste to increasing output, but there is also significant worry about job loss and ethical issues. In this unique study, researchers look into the contrast between employer attitudes, illuminating the conflicting feelings that define the modern workplace narrative: awe at the potential that AI offers and apprehension about the unknown.

The question on everyone’s mind as businesses around the world begin this transformational path is straightforward: can the advantages of AI be utilized without sacrificing the human element that characterizes our professional landscapes?

In a recent LinkedIn study, nine out of ten working professionals are enthusiastic about using AI, but half say they need more information beforehand.

Many people can already see the advantages of AI; in fact, 58 percent of professionals throughout the world think AI will dramatically alter the way they operate within the next year.

Most are ready for the AI era, with 84 percent of worldwide workers believing AI would enhance their career growth.

About 46 percent of workers throughout the world are currently utilizing AI in their professions, and another 36 percent are experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Additionally, there has been a 21x increase in GPT- and ChatGPT-related job posts since November 2022.

Many people, not only those in the tech industry, regard AI as a key to better prospects for work-life balance and skill development.

Public reaction on AI

In a recent study conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation, an examination was carried out to gather insights into the public’s perceptions and sentiments towards AI. The study focused on analyzing the reactions to an online post by a news agency where the introduction of AI sportscasters was announced. The findings revealed a widespread sense of disappointment among the public, as they expressed concerns about the potential loss of genuine emotional connection and meaning in the delivery of news.

Meanwhile, 45 percent of worldwide professionals believe AI will make their jobs easier.

Many anticipate that AI will free up additional time, which they will use to better manage their work and personal lives (45 percent), expand their knowledge base (39 percent), and pursue interests (44 percent), respectively. Thirty percent add that they would expand their professional networks if they had more time.

In addition, 84 percent of US-based LinkedIn members work in positions where generative AI might be used to automate at least 25 percent of repetitive tasks, according to data from a recent study (Preparing the Workforce for Generative AI).

The fear of being left behind by artificial intelligence has many people scared about their careers. More surprisingly, 56 percent admit they have no idea how to put AI to use in the workplace.

Nearly half or 49 percent of professionals throughout the world are concerned that they should know more about AI than they do, and 39 percent are scared that AI may bring too much change to their employment, too quickly.

In fact, 39 percent of professionals throughout the world have admitted to lying about their knowledge of AI in order to appear more knowledgeable in front of coworkers.

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more commonplace in the workplace, professionals anticipate a rise in demand for problem-solving, strategic thinking, and time management abilities.

LinkedIn’s latest Future of Work: AI at Work survey found that 92 percent of US executives concur, saying that interpersonal skills are more valuable than ever in today’s competitive job market.