The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is of growing concern to employees, according to CYPHER Learning, a provider of an all-in-one AI education platform model for business and academic settings.

In a new study on workers’ concerns and aspirations around using AI in the workplace, findings suggest that while AI is reshaping job roles in a positive way to remove repetitive tasks, workplace digital divides between ages, gender and seniority are deepening.

The survey of 4,543 workers aged 18 and above, from a cross-section of industries across the U.S., UK and Mexico, found that 63 percent of workers say the introduction of AI technologies has already impacted the skills required to perform their role, while over half (52 percent) believe it will either “totally transform” or have a “major impact” on their role within two years.

Of those surveyed, 38 percent expect they will need to retrain as their jobs will become obsolete and almost half (45 percent) are concerned about their future job security.

Despite changes related to AI, many workers felt positive about the changes: 67 percent of workers view AI as a “friend” rather than a foe. Moreover, the survey found 41 percent of workers use GenAI for their work, with 46 percent saying that AI as a whole is making their jobs easier, and 43 percent noting that it’s taking away boring administrative tasks so they can focus on more high-value work.

Not all workers are equally benefiting from AI, the survey found.

Younger workers, men and senior management are more likely to use AI at work and enjoy experimenting with AI, compared to women, over 55, and manual or clerical workers. Similarly, fewer women, older workers and manual or clerical workers felt technology is changing their roles for the better.

Workers also felt clearer guidance is needed around the use of AI in the workplace, with 69 percent feeling clear AI policies are still needed, while 33 percent think the use of AI in the workplace should be banned entirely. Interestingly, 25 percent of workers admit to using AI without their boss’s knowledge.

“Each technological leap – such as we are currently experiencing with AI – does change the workplace,” explains Graham Glass, founder and CEO, CYPHER Learning. “Trade-offs have had to be made throughout history as jobs and roles shift. But over the long term these changes generally prove to be for the better.”

With the influence of AI on the workforce expected to grow in the coming years, 73 percent of workers believe AI skills will be important to their role within five years – with 45 percent believing such skills will be “essential” or “very important.” Despite this, the survey found only 25 percent have had training in this area.

Only 11 percent of workers over 55 have had AI training, compared to 30 percent of those aged 18 to 44, with more men than women report exposure to AI training – 36 percent compared to 18 percent.

Senior management also reported more training than anyone else – 58 percent, compared to 11 percent of clerical or manual workers.

Survey respondents revealed frustrations and concerns around how technology training is delivered at present.

Nearly half of workers (48 percent) worry about their company’s future due to a lack of leadership investment in new technology skills. Moreover, 46 percent of workers said they find it impossible to keep up with the tech and digital skills required for their roles, and 53 percent say their tech training quickly becomes outdated.

“As AI increasingly permeates the workplace, fostering a culture of continuous learning through training and education will be essential to boost worker confidence,” Glass concludes. “Some workers may feel overwhelmed by technology when training is not delivered in a way that is relevant to them and their role. For example, helping people understand the purpose of AI, and how to assess and validate outputs, will be more useful to some workers than extensive training in prompt engineering. When training is delivered in ways applicable to each individual and their role, at the right time in the right context, it’s more likely to help them progress.”

Findings are detailed in the new CYPHER Learning report: Bridging The AI Digital Divide.