The development of artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing people's attitudes towards their work. A new survey in Estonia showed that almost one in four employees considers it likely that they will need to master a new profession in the coming years.
Artificial intelligence is ceasing to be an abstract technology and is increasingly influencing the labor market. According to a survey by the portal CVKeskus.ee and the Salary Information Agency, many workers are already expecting significant changes in their profession.
More than 5,600 people participated in the study. 43% of respondents believe that their job will significantly change in the coming years due to the development of AI, and almost one in four admits the need for complete retraining.
Employees in the banking sector experience the most anxiety. Among them, 41% believe that they may need a new specialty within five years.
A high level of concern is also recorded among marketing and communications workers, office employees, IT specialists, financiers, as well as representatives of art, culture, and journalism.
In fact, this primarily concerns professions related to information processing, texts, data analysis, and computer work — this is where AI is developing the fastest.
At the same time, workers in fields that require physical presence or constant contact with people feel significantly less threatened. For example, among cleaning staff, only 8% of respondents expect serious changes, while among agricultural workers, the figure is 18%.
Importantly, people are afraid not so much of "robots" as of the gradual change in their usual work. In many cases, AI is already taking over routine tasks, speeding up information processing, and helping to create content.
However, the attitude towards artificial intelligence cannot be described as exclusively negative. Many employees acknowledge that new technologies help them work faster and more efficiently.
61% of workers who already use AI stated that it has helped them acquire new skills and knowledge. Another 41% noted that their work has become more interesting.
However, there is a downside. One in ten survey participants reported that the use of AI has increased stress and workload at work.
Employees are increasingly expecting employers not only to implement new technologies but also to provide training on how to work with them. One in four respondents admitted that they lack the skills to fully utilize artificial intelligence.
Experts note that the main advantage in the labor market is the ability to quickly adapt to new tools. It is becoming increasingly valued not just the profession itself, but the ability to combine human skills with the capabilities of technology.
Just a few years ago, artificial intelligence was mainly perceived as a tool for the IT sector. Now, it is actively penetrating marketing, administrative work, customer service, and many other areas.
Judging by the survey results, employees are already beginning to perceive these changes as a new reality, rather than a distant future.
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