A new Heldrich Center national survey of U.S. workers finds that 8 in 10 (82%) workers say it is very or somewhat important that the government in Washington, D.C. ensures that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies do not cause U.S. workers to lose their jobs. Nearly half (46%) say it is very important. Additionally, 7 in 10 (71%) U.S. workers say they are very or somewhat concerned about employers using AI in human resources decision-making, 5 in 10 (50%) are concerned about needing more technological skills, and 3 in 10 (30%) worry about their jobs being eliminated (30%).
These are some of the key findings from the Heldrich Center’s probability-based survey of 1,038 U.S. adults — including 737 workers — that was conducted in November 2023. The survey found widespread uncertainty about the potential impacts of AI on jobs and the labor market.
“As with other major technological changes, generative AI will create opportunities for some and heartbreak for others. Workers — especially those with the least formal education — want safeguards that protect them from disruption and unemployment,” said Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Heldrich Center. Van Horn is the Director of the award-winning Work Trends survey series, which has been polling the American public and employers about the workforce, economy, and an array of pressing issues since 1998.
Learn more about the survey findings by reading the survey topline, a series of infographics, and the press release.