Experts predict a 50-50 chance machines could take over all our jobs within a century.
But a poll of 16,000 workers has found many employees believe AI could do it already.
Nearly half have admitted the technology can outperform them in ‘routine tasks’ – while also paying better attention to detail.
The finding comes just weeks after a leading think tank warned AI could take over eight million jobs in the UK if the government doesn’t act fast.
The ‘jobs apocalypse’ is expected to see admin and entry-level roles first – but will increasingly affect those higher paid as it becomes more sophisticated.
A survey of 16,000 workers found nearly half admit the technology can already outperform them in ‘routine tasks’ – and pays better attention to detail
The Future of Work Report by jobs website Indeed found just one in three respondents were confident AI would have a positive impact on their role.
The majority however – nine in ten – felt confident they would be able to adapt to the changes over the next five years.
Workers told how much of their day-to-day responsibilities were already ripe for automation – with three in five saying that AI can carry out data analysis better than humans.
Routine tasks (48%) and attention to detail (45%) were other tasks where workers felt AI had the upper hand.
While repetitive jobs are well-suited to AI, workers said they still felt confident they were better in critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence.
Experts are split on the effect AI will have on the global job market – but all are in agreement that it will, and already is, having a seismic impact.
The Future of Work Report by jobs website Indeed found just one in three workers are confident AI will improve their job
BT last year unveiled plans to slash tens of thousands of jobs by 2030 – with around 10,000 set to be replaced by technology.
A survey of over 2,700 AI researchers in January meanwhile suggested AI could well be ‘better and cheaper’ than humans in every profession by 2116.
The date forecast is nearly 50 years earlier than the same prediction made the previous year, highlighting how quickly it is improving.
A recent survey of 600 global CEOs found many were hurriedly sending ‘novice’ staff on AI bootcamps to get them up to speed.
Hundreds admitted they also feared the technology will take over their role one day.
Many said they already secretly use tools such as ChatGPT to help them carry out their daily responsibilities – and passed it off as their own work.
Nick Baxter, chief executive of The IN Group said: ‘The reality is that many fast-growing companies are still struggling with the skills gap, a problem which ultimately damages growth and slows innovation.
‘If we want to build a truly dynamic digital economy, businesses need access to the latest AI and tech talent, allowing ambitious companies to reach their full potential.’
Tristan Wilkinson, public sector lead at AND Digital said: ‘Businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet so many are struggling to keep up with the pace of digital transformation.
‘Unlocking sustained economic growth can only be delivered if companies are given the support and specialist skills they need to embrace digital initiatives for the long term.’
Danny Stacy, UK Head of Talent Intelligence at Indeed, said: ‘It’s natural for workers to feel that AI will change their role, particularly as we’re yet to fully realise AI’s impact on the workplace.
‘But UK employees are confident they can adapt and are generally more optimistic about the effects of technology on their jobs than they are sceptical, showing that they’re up for any change that comes their way.’
