American workers are increasingly warming up to artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace, according to a new KPMG US survey of over 1,800 employees at large companies. The findings reveal a significant shift in worker sentiment toward AI technology, with half of respondents reporting that automation has enhanced their professional capabilities.
The survey, which focused on workers at companies with more than 5,000 employees (60% of whom were managers), found that just under half believe automation will create new career opportunities. This optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with concerns about job displacement, as only 28% of workers expressed fear about losing their jobs to automation—a worry that has dominated public discourse around AI adoption.
Daily AI usage is becoming the norm, with approximately 70% of surveyed workers using automation tools at least weekly, and one-third utilizing them daily. John Doel, a principal in KPMG US’s human capital advisory practice, suggests this high adoption rate indicates workers are overcoming the “fear factor” that previously surrounded AI technology. “As adoption increases, people are getting more comfortable with the impact that’s going to have on their careers,” Doel explained.
The survey also highlighted skill development as a critical retention factor. About 80% of respondents agreed that building skills is important for career advancement, with one in four workers citing learning opportunities as a key reason for staying in their current roles. Another 22% said skill-building opportunities made them consider different positions within their organizations.
Workers are viewing generative AI as an enabler of work-life balance and flexibility. Two-thirds of respondents believe a four-day, 32-hour workweek could match the productivity of a traditional 40-hour week, with 45% saying efficiency gains from GenAI could make this feasible. Additionally, 70% reported that remote work helps them balance job demands with caretaking responsibilities.
Despite this optimism, employee retention challenges persist. Forty-two percent of employees considered leaving their roles in the past year, with millennials—the largest segment of the workforce—most likely to contemplate departure. The primary drivers remain familiar: work-life balance concerns, insufficient compensation, and feeling disrespected at work each motivated about one-third of those considering resignation.
Key Quotes
As adoption increases, people are getting more comfortable with the impact that’s going to have on their careers.
John Doel, a principal in KPMG US’s human capital advisory practice, explained how increased familiarity with AI tools is reducing worker anxiety about the technology’s impact on their professional futures.
It’s the No. 1 thing they could do
Doel emphasized that investing in worker skill development and training is the most effective strategy employers can use to retain talent in an era where AI is rapidly transforming workplace requirements.
They’re looking at GenAI as one of the enablers of a more flexible work environment.
Doel described how workers view generative AI not just as a productivity tool, but as a means to achieve better work-life balance and greater control over how they structure their work arrangements.
They think it’s going to allow them to be more flexible in their work-model contract with employers.
Doel explained workers’ belief that efficiency gains from generative AI will give them more leverage to negotiate flexible work arrangements, including potentially shorter workweeks while maintaining productivity levels.
Our Take
This survey data reveals a maturation in worker attitudes toward AI that should encourage business leaders. The transition from fear to pragmatic adoption suggests that exposure and education are effectively addressing AI anxiety. However, the findings also present a challenge: workers now expect AI to deliver on promises of increased flexibility and improved work-life balance.
The disconnect between worker expectations and employer priorities around flexibility could become a friction point. While workers see AI as justification for four-day weeks and remote arrangements, many employers are pushing return-to-office mandates. Companies that fail to leverage AI’s productivity gains to offer greater flexibility may face retention challenges.
Most significantly, this data suggests we’re entering a new phase of AI adoption where the technology is normalized rather than feared. The question now shifts from “Will AI replace me?” to “How can AI enhance my career and lifestyle?” This psychological shift could accelerate AI implementation across industries.
Why This Matters
This survey represents a pivotal shift in how American workers perceive AI and automation, moving from fear and resistance toward acceptance and optimism. The findings suggest that hands-on experience with AI tools is demystifying the technology and helping workers recognize its potential as a productivity enhancer rather than solely a job threat.
For businesses, these insights are critical for talent retention and workforce planning strategies. The data indicates that companies investing in AI training and skill development are more likely to retain employees, particularly younger workers who value learning opportunities. As organizations continue implementing AI solutions, understanding worker sentiment becomes essential for successful adoption.
The connection between AI adoption and work-life balance is particularly significant, suggesting that generative AI could reshape traditional work structures. Workers increasingly view AI as a tool for achieving greater flexibility, potentially accelerating trends toward four-day workweeks and hybrid arrangements. This perspective could influence how companies approach workplace policies and productivity metrics in the AI era, fundamentally transforming the employer-employee relationship around flexibility and autonomy.
Recommended Reading
For those interested in learning more about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and effective AI communication, here are some excellent resources:
Recommended Reading
Related Stories
- Sam Altman’s Bold AI Predictions: AGI, Jobs, and the Future by 2025
- Tech Workers Are the Real Winners in the AI Talent War, With Pay Set to Soar by 2024
- The Impact of AI on Software Engineering Jobs and Market Outlook
- Cornerstone Unveils AI-Powered Platform for Employee Career Growth by 2024
- Perplexity CEO Predicts AI Will Automate Two White-Collar Roles by 2025