Insights from Alight’s 2024 International Workforce and Wellbeing Mindset Study
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded onto the public consciousness — and it’s shaking up just about everything in sight. As far as AI in the workplace, much of the attention has been around the overblown fear that AI is going to put millions of people out of work. For all the fearmongering about AI taking jobs from humans, however, the reality is there aren’t enough people to fill all the jobs. By 2030, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled because there aren’t enough skilled people to take them.
The pace of evolution in AI has reached dizzying proportions — and its adoption has become so pervasive — and so important to business success — that companies which adopt a head-in-the-sand/wait-it-out approach are going to find it difficult to remain competitive. But what do workers think about AI? According to the 2024 Alight International Workforce and Wellbeing Mindset Study, employees have wide-ranging emotions about AI in the workspace, with many of these emotions varying by generation. Understanding how the generations feel about this transformative technology can help personalize and promote the use of AI at work.
Generation Z — Cautiously optimistic
It stands to reason that Generation Z would be the most comfortable with advanced technologies like AI. After all, they have never known a time when computers, smartphones and social media didn’t play a significant role in their lives. Three-quarters of Gen Z workers report using generative AI in the workplace, with 42% indicating that their employers encourage its use. Approximately one-third (31%) express curiosity about AI, while 38% report feeling excited about it. Although Gen Z is the least likely to be afraid of AI, nearly half (49%) believe AI will fundamentally change the nature of work as we know it.
Millennials — High usage, high concern
The first generation to be dubbed “digital natives,” Millennials enjoy a level of comfort with technology that makes them natural teachers for their older colleagues. For all their technical proficiency, however, the verdict is still out when it comes to Millennials and AI. Nearly 60% use AI at work weekly, with 22% using it daily. While 48% of Millennials find using AI in the workplace makes their job easier, an equal number are skeptical of its output. Additionally, 48% believe AI needs improvement to be useful, and 44% find AI frightening—the highest among all generations.
2024 Alight International Workforce and Wellbeing Mindset Study
The study’s goal is to understand employee perceptions to help employers optimize their employees’ wellbeing and experiences to improve engagement, productivity and performance.
Generation X — Nervous and skeptical
Born and raised before home computers became a “thing,” most Generation Xers were first exposed to the fascinating world of PCs in a high school computer lab. In the years that followed, they settled into a world where computers, the Internet and social media quickly became the norm. Approximately half (47%) of Gen X employees report using AI in the workplace. However, their feelings about AI are decidedly mixed. This may be attributed to a hesitation to acknowledge that AI could simplify their job responsibilities. Only 25% express confidence in AI's ability to provide reliable recommendations. The words Gen Xers used most to describe AI were “concerned,” “hopeful” and “suspicious.
Baby Boomers — Fear of the unknown
Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers spent their formative years before the arrival of virtually all the tech-based conveniences we take for granted today. Often stereotyped as technophobes, many Boomers have a healthy skepticism when it comes to each new wave of technological innovations. Therefore, it comes as no surprise they aren’t yet sold on Artificial Intelligence. Two-thirds (64%) of Baby Boomers have never used AI at work. They describe their feelings towards AI as “concerned” and “suspicious,” with suspicion being twice as high as Gen Z and Millennial workers. What’s more, just 8% of Baby Boomers trust AI to make good recommendations.
Percent agreeing with statement
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AI is going to take away my job |
31% | 39% | 26% | 15% |
|
AI makes my job easier |
42% | 48% | 29% | 14% |
|
AI scares me |
35% | 44% | 38% | 36% |
|
I trust AI to make good recommendations |
45% | 45% | 25% | 8% |
|
AI has a long way to go before it can be useful |
42% | 48% | 41% | 42% |
|
I am skeptical of the output I receive from AI |
40% | 48% | 46% | 41% |
|
I will fall behind if I do not learn how to use AI |
37% | 48% | 35% | 29% |
|
AI is going to fundamentally change work as we know it |
49% | 54% | 45% | 46% |
|
My employer encourages me to use AI at work |
42% | 46% | 23% | 10% |
Overall, how would you explain your current feelings about AI?
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curious |
31% | 25% | 28% | 23% |
|
Concerned |
24% | 23% | 30% | 41% |
|
Hopeful |
36% | 42% | 30% | 19% |
|
Suspicious |
19% | 18% | 30% | 39% |
|
Indifferent |
15% | 11% | 13% | 13% |
|
Excited |
38% | 43% | 26% | 11% |
|
Doubtful |
14% | 11% | 17% | 21% |
|
Scared |
16% | 13% | 17% | 15% |
|
Intrigued |
29% | 20% | 21% | 17% |
|
Nervous |
17% | 15% | 25% | 24% |
How often do you use AI at work?
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Every day |
16% | 22% | 14% | 7% |
|
Not every day, but multiple times per week |
18% | 20% | 12% | 9% |
|
Once a week |
19% | 16% | 9% | 4% |
|
2 - 3 times per month |
12% | 10% | 6% | 4% |
|
Once a month |
4% | 4% | 3% | 3% |
|
Less often than once a month |
7% | 5% | 11% | 10% |
|
Never |
25% | 23% | 47% | 64% |
As we navigate the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace, it is important to acknowledge and address the diverse emotions and concerns of employees from different generations. By leveraging AI thoughtfully and empathetically, employers can create more personalized and supportive environments that not only enhance productivity and efficiency, but also foster a sense of security and wellbeing. The future of AI holds immense potential, and with the right approach, it can be a powerful ally in creating a more resilient and engaged workforce.
