One-third of Poles unsure if AI poses a job threat, survey finds

A recent survey by Personnel Service reveals that 33% of Poles are uncertain about whether artificial intelligence (AI) poses a threat to their jobs. The survey highlights mixed feelings among Poland’s 17 million workers regarding AI’s impact on employment. While 3% fear they might lose their jobs entirely to AI, 16% expect that some of their duties may be taken over by machines.

When asked about the broader impact of AI on the workforce, responses varied. About 22% of respondents believe that less than 10% of jobs in Poland could be replaced by AI, while 17% estimate that 11-20% or 21-30% of jobs are at risk. Only 12% foresee that more than a third of jobs could be lost to AI, but a significant portion—33%—are unable to assess the potential impact.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has analyzed the situation, suggesting that one in three Polish workers could be at serious risk of automation. The IMF’s analysis classifies jobs into three categories based on AI exposure: those with high exposure and high complementarity with AI, those with high exposure but low complementarity, and those with low exposure. According to the IMF, around 40% of the workforce, or 6.87 million people, have low exposure to AI and are unlikely to be affected. Meanwhile, 27% of workers, or 4.64 million, are highly exposed but likely to benefit from AI due to job complementarity. However, 32% of the workforce, or 5.5 million people, face a high risk of being replaced by AI.

Labor market expert Krzysztof Inglot pointed out the paradoxical nature of the current job market in Poland. Despite record-low unemployment and an aging population, there is growing concern about potential job losses due to AI. Yet, only 3% of survey respondents reported knowing someone who had been recently laid off because of AI.

Inglot also noted the rapid advancements in AI technology, citing Chinese company Unitree Robotics’ development of general-purpose humanoid robots ready for mass production. He warned that the world is changing quickly and urged people to stay aware of the implications of AI, as the IMF predicts that almost everyone will be affected to some degree.

Source: Personnel Service, IMF and ISBnews