Amid evolving workplace priorities, three-quarters of workers globally believe generative AI will disrupt the workplace to some degree, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group, The Network and The Stepstone Group.
Despite this uncertainty, workers remain confident about their place in the labor market, with 57% ready to retrain for new roles to stay ahead in their careers and 64% feeling they hold the upper hand when negotiating for jobs.
Additionally, 86% of workers report being familiar with generative AI, and 39% say they use it regularly.
The survey, part of the 2024 Decoding Global Talent series, includes responses from more than 150,000 workers across 188 countries.
The study noted that workers prioritize reskilling and development to adapt to technological changes, expressing confidence in their ability to thrive in an evolving labor market.
Work preferences vary across different regions and age groups, as do deal breakers. Fifty-four percent of workers would refuse an attractive job offer if they had a bad experience during the interview process. In North America and Europe, a negative experience during recruitment is the second most significant dealbreaker.
Mental health support is crucial for workers, with 40% saying they won’t work for companies that don’t offer it or have a perceived negative impact on society.
While job security was the most important factor for workers in East Asia and South Asia, particularly among those who perceived AI to have a greater impact on their future work, learning and development topped the list for the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Financial compensation is the top priority for North Americans, while work-life balance is paramount for Europeans.
Across industries, workers in technology and IT use generative AI the most at 64%, followed by media, 54%; science and research, 48%; green industry and sustainability, 45%; and education and training, 45%.
“We are seeing a rapid evolution and maturing of employee views toward AI and a crucial recognition that a commitment to continuous reskilling will ensure long-term employability,” Boston Consulting Group managing director and senior partner Jens Baier said in a press release.
Other findings in the report:
- 57% of workers are ready to reskill, embracing generative AI to improve their productivity and employability.
- While workers expect generative AI to bring changes to their jobs, 40% anticipate it will aid in making operational efficiencies.