A new study conducted by high-tech research firm LightYear highlights the workforce facing growing concerns about job safety while increasingly hiring artificial intelligence. This study, which examines 1,000 US workers, shows the transitional nature of the economy as AI transforms various industries.
The report shows that 35% of workers use AI tools every day, with more being higher among younger employees. In particular, 53% of GEN Z respondents rely on AI every day. These findings highlight the rapid integration of AI into daily work tasks in various sectors.
The enthusiasm for AI’s capabilities is mitigated by deep concerns about its impact on employment. While 70% of workers surveyed fear that AI will harm the job market, 49% feel that it is emphasized that it will be replaced by automation and AI-powered tools.
“Workers are optimistic and deeply concerned,” the report said. “AI offers unprecedented efficiency, but many employees feel unprepared for the pace of change.”
One of the most impressive findings of this study is the existence of a “preparation disparity.” Only 10% of workers are proactively skilled to stay competitive in an AI-driven economy. Data shows that while AI technology is highly adopted, many workers lack access to training or are uncertain about how to leverage AI for career advancement.
Interestingly, Gen Z employees are particularly active in investing in AI skills. The survey revealed that 67% of Gen Z respondents were actively learning about AI, and 44% reported receiving promotions, pay increases or new opportunities as a direct result of their AI knowledge. The report states, “Gen Z treats AI like a carrier accelerator. They’re not only using AI, they’re leveraging it to gain an advantage.”
The Lightyear findings highlight the paradoxes in the modern workplace. AI serves both as a powerful productivity tool and as an important source of anxiety. As automation continues to accelerate, businesses and workers face increasing pressure to adapt through training, education and policy reform. ChatGpt Nation: A complete study of state titles that lead and ignore AI Boom is available on the Lightyear website.
