A recent survey conducted by the American Staffing Association (ASA) has revealed that nearly half of Americans fear job automation by AI. The survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, found that younger workers and individuals from Black and Hispanic backgrounds expressed the greatest concerns about job replacement, while Baby Boomers and White Americans were less worried.

The survey also highlighted the impact of generative AI on the potential for automation of various on-the-job tasks. In fact, one-third of Americans are already using AI in their workplaces. This marks a significant shift in worker attitudes towards AI since a similar poll was conducted in 2017, where around three-quarters of employed Americans did not believe that AI or robots could easily replace their jobs.

Richard Wahlquist, the Chief Executive Officer of the ASA, noted the drastic change in worker attitudes towards AI in recent years. He stated, "Workers used to see AI programs as something that could help human workers. Now, workers are concerned AI could be replacing them altogether."

The survey also revealed that approximately three-quarters of respondents expect the increased use of automation and AI to lead to higher joblessness. Women were more inclined to hold this perspective compared to men. When considering industries, industrial workers expressed the highest likelihood of their jobs being replaced by automation, while healthcare employees regarded themselves as the least exposed.

Differences were also observed in perceptions of job security across racial and ethnic groups. A majority of Black and Hispanic workers considered their jobs to be at higher risk compared to fewer than two in five of their white counterparts.

Despite concerns about job replacement, most Americans surveyed believe that increased use of technology, including automation and AI, will have positive effects on workers in general. However, opinions were divided on whether it would ultimately help or harm individuals' careers.

The survey was conducted online and involved more than 2,000 US adults. It took place from June 20-22, with a margin of error of 2.7%. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolving perceptions and concerns surrounding automation and AI in the United States workforce.

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