- Knowledge workers fear AI could take their jobs
- They spend an average of 4.3 hours a week in meetings, according to a report
- Asynchronous communication could improve productivity
One in three (35%) knowledge workers are now “hoarding” skills to protect their job security against AI threats, and one in five are now stressed or anxious about being replaced by AI, new research claims.
An Adaptavist study found that nearly a third (32%) of entry-level positions have disappeared since 2022, the company found, further intensifying fears.
As such, two-fifths (38%) are reluctant to train colleagues in their area of strength so they can continue to excel, in the hope of maintaining their roles.
Knowledge workers feel threatened by AI
The study found that knowledge workers spend an average of 4.3 hours per week in meetings, which is almost as much time as they spend socially with friends (4.4 hours). With the rise of hybrid and remote work, meeting time has tripled since 2020.
Currently, almost half (46%) have seen colleagues send AI assistants to meetings on their behalf, but many (40%) consider this rude compared to attending meetings in person.
However, Adaptavist sees room for AI within organizations and its role is not to replace human workers at all.
Adaptavista is asking companies to shift toward asynchronous communication, where workers can collaborate during their own work hours without having to be called to meetings with set times.
“By embracing asynchronous communication, improving documentation, and using artificial intelligence to surface relevant information, organizations can alleviate meeting fatigue while building resilient, aligned teams,” said innovation leader Neal Riley.
With carefully implemented AI, workers feel more energized and motivated, more in control of their tasks, and less frustrated or disengaged.
“The report confirms that when organizations incorporate AI with this structured approach, they create cultures where employees feel part of the journey,” added Riley.
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