AI is changing our lives and also transforming the world of work at lightning speed… but it doesn’t leave everyone at the same starting line!
A new study by Ipsos highlights a contrasting reality: while AI fascinates and boosts the productivity of some, it also creates a feeling of being overwhelmed among 28% of French employees.
This figure, far from insignificant, reflects a major challenge for businesses and society: how can AI become an ally for everyone, and not a source of exclusion?
A divide regarding AI?
Since the advent of generative AIs like Yiaho, OpenAI, or Gemini, the feeling of being out of sync with AI is particularly pronounced among certain groups.
Older workers and those in less skilled positions often feel left behind, facing tools they perceive as complex or inaccessible.
It’s not just a matter of technical skill, but also apprehension: nearly half of respondents (49%) anticipate that their job will be transformed by AI in the short term, and many fear that generative AIs will eventually replace them.
Conversely, a segment of employees embraces AI with optimism.
Among them are the “pioneers”: 11% regular users and 30% occasional users, mostly young (62% are between 18 and 34 years old) and tech-savvy.
For these enthusiasts, AI is not a threat, but a lever for performance. They report concrete gains in productivity, whether for automating repetitive tasks or generating new ideas. This divide between the reluctant and the enthusiastic poses a crucial question: how can this gap be reduced to avoid polarization in the world of work?
See also: Will AI replace accountants? The truth about the future of the profession
A thirst for learning, hampered by a lack of resources
The study reveals an encouraging paradox: despite fears, employees are not rejecting AI. On the contrary:
- 70% of them express a strong desire to better understand these technologies.
- 74% among those who work on computers
- 78% among senior executives.
This curiosity shows a willingness to adapt, but it faces a major obstacle: the lack of suitable training.
Too often, companies adopt AI tools without supporting their teams in mastering them.
The result? Some employees feel helpless, while those who self-train, often the youngest or most tech-savvy, widen the gap. This situation fuels the anxiety of those who fear they won’t keep up, reinforcing the feeling of being “overwhelmed.”
Also read on this topic: Can ChatGPT replace the work of a psychologist?
AI at work: Towards an inclusive transition?
AI is not an end in itself, but a tool to serve workers. For it to benefit everyone, several approaches are essential. First, massive investment in training, offering programs accessible to all profiles, from novices to experts.
Next, communicate the concrete benefits of AI, while downplaying its impact: no, it won’t replace all jobs, but it will redefine certain tasks.
Finally, involve employees in the technological transition, by associating them with tool choices and valuing their feedback.
The challenge is clear: AI must not widen inequalities, but become a driver of opportunities.
By supporting workers through this revolution, companies can transform anxiety into confidence and make AI an ally for all. Because one thing is certain: the future of work will not be built without those who make it happen every day.
Source: Ipsos
