Taking a closer look at the people factor, managers in Switzerland (72%) are most confident that their people have adequate training to work effectively with AI or are ready for the transformation process ahead. This compares with 56% in Belgium, 54% in Italy, and 51% in Spain. At the other end of the scale are Austria and Germany both with 34%.
The AI-augmented workforce
If they get it right, organizations have a tremendous opportunity to leverage AI to enhance job descriptions. A shift toward more intellectually stimulating work profiles would not only improve employee satisfaction but also enhance employer branding, attracting top talent in a fiercely competitive labor market. Indeed, most respondents expect AI to take over elements of their work and redefine their job profiles. More than three out of four respondents in Switzerland (76%) assume that artificial intelligence will take over some of their tasks. This is followed by Spain and Portugal (72% each), Italy (70%) and Belgium (68%), where employees are likewise sure that – sooner or later – parts of their work will be taken over by applications from the field of AI. In Germany (57%) and Austria (59%), the figure is below the average (65%) of countries surveyed.
Against this background, it is logical that a majority (68%) of respondents in the European countries surveyed expect fewer employees will be needed as AI systems become more established and the number and scope of use cases increases. The proportion is particularly high in Portugal (80%), Spain (78%), Italy (76%) and Belgium (74%). In contrast, there is somewhat less concern about job losses as a consequence of AI in Switzerland (57%), Germany (59%), and the Netherlands (64%).