Why Indians are more worried about AI taking away jobs than counterparts in US, UK & Germany
Indian employees are more concerned about job loss due to artificial intelligence (AI) compared to their counterparts in the US, UK, and Germany, according to a study. The findings from the Randstad work monitor quarterly pulse survey, shared with ET, reveal that at least half of Indian employees fear losing their jobs to AI, whereas the figure is one in three in developed countries.
This heightened concern among Indian employees can be attributed to the large number of workers in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, which are particularly susceptible to AI automation. Additionally, India has witnessed a high rate of AI technology adoption.
Viswanath P.S., the Managing Director and Chief Executive at Randstad India, explains, “There are a lot of KPOs and BPOs in India where employees work on several operational tasks that AI can potentially take over. We must also consider that AI adoption in India is among the fastest in the world.” He further emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for employees in these sectors to future-proof their careers and prepare for potential AI interventions.
The Q3 2023 edition of the Randstad work monitor focuses on the skilling demands of workers and the impact of AI. The survey, which included 1606 respondents from India (55% male and 45% female), revealed that seven out of ten respondents believed that AI would affect their industry and job roles.
Similarly, an equal number of respondents recognized the significance of upskilling, particularly in technology-related skills, over the next five years. The survey also highlighted that the majority of respondents are currently utilizing AI in their jobs, with only 6% having received no AI training in the past year.
The study found that artificial intelligence remains the most sought-after area of development (according to 30% of respondents), followed by IT and technological literacy (28%) and management and leadership skills (27%). Additionally, half of the respondents stated that they would consider leaving their jobs if their employers did not provide learning and development opportunities within the next 12 months.
Flexible work arrangements were identified as the top priority for Generation X (26%), whereas pay and remuneration were more important for boomers (27%). In terms of industries, employees in the automotive/aerospace sector expressed the highest level of concern about the impact of AI on their jobs, followed by those in food product manufacturing, IT services, and financial services.
Overall, the study highlights the growing importance of learning and development in the talent community.
This heightened concern among Indian employees can be attributed to the large number of workers in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, which are particularly susceptible to AI automation. Additionally, India has witnessed a high rate of AI technology adoption.
Viswanath P.S., the Managing Director and Chief Executive at Randstad India, explains, “There are a lot of KPOs and BPOs in India where employees work on several operational tasks that AI can potentially take over. We must also consider that AI adoption in India is among the fastest in the world.” He further emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for employees in these sectors to future-proof their careers and prepare for potential AI interventions.
The Q3 2023 edition of the Randstad work monitor focuses on the skilling demands of workers and the impact of AI. The survey, which included 1606 respondents from India (55% male and 45% female), revealed that seven out of ten respondents believed that AI would affect their industry and job roles.
Similarly, an equal number of respondents recognized the significance of upskilling, particularly in technology-related skills, over the next five years. The survey also highlighted that the majority of respondents are currently utilizing AI in their jobs, with only 6% having received no AI training in the past year.
The study found that artificial intelligence remains the most sought-after area of development (according to 30% of respondents), followed by IT and technological literacy (28%) and management and leadership skills (27%). Additionally, half of the respondents stated that they would consider leaving their jobs if their employers did not provide learning and development opportunities within the next 12 months.
Flexible work arrangements were identified as the top priority for Generation X (26%), whereas pay and remuneration were more important for boomers (27%). In terms of industries, employees in the automotive/aerospace sector expressed the highest level of concern about the impact of AI on their jobs, followed by those in food product manufacturing, IT services, and financial services.
Overall, the study highlights the growing importance of learning and development in the talent community.
