70% of Irish workers feel threat from AI

Irish workers appear to be very pragmatic about their futures. Just three in ten workers (30%) believe their role is safe from AI or automation over the next decade and almost one-quarter (23%) say large parts of their job are likely to disappear.

A new nationwide survey of 1,000 adults commissioned by people specialists NFP Ireland and conducted by IReach, examined how workers expect artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to affect their jobs in the years ahead.

A further 7% believe their role may not even exist in its current form within 10 years, as a result of advances in AI. However, the remaining 40% take a more measured view, saying some tasks within their role are likely to become automated, but their job as a whole will remain in place.

The findings come as recent ESRI research highlights the potential impact of AI on the Irish labour market, estimating that around 7% of current jobs could be displaced in the short to medium term.

Colm Power, Managing Director NFP Ireland, commented: “Workers are uncertain about what AI means for their future. Just 30% of workers believe their role is safe from AI or automation, which suggests most people expect some level of disruption to how they currently work.

“What stands out is the number of workers who believe large parts of their role could disappear. That reflects a concern not just about job losses, but about roles being gradually reshaped, with day-to-day tasks reduced or fundamentally changing over time,” he added.

“In practice, while routine and administrative tasks are likely to become more automated, the skills that are uniquely human, such as judgement, communication, creativity, relationship-building and leadership will become even more important.

“While AI presents real opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency, it’s understandable for employees to be concerned that it could gradually take over elements of their role to the point where they feel less secure in their day-to-day work.”

Job impact concerns

Concern is highest among younger workers, with 39% of those aged 18 - 24 and 32% of those aged 25 - 34 saying large parts of their role could disappear, compared to 15% of those aged over 55.

Men are more likely than women to express this view, at 27% compared to 20%.

Confidence & perceived job security

Those aged 35 - 44 are most likely to feel that their job is not replaceable by AI (39%)

By contrast, only 13% of those aged 25 - 34 say their role is not replaceable.

Regional & socio-economic differences

Workers in Dublin are least likely to believe their role is not replaceable, at 25%, compared with 32% in Munster.

Those in the C2DE socio-economic group are more likely to say their role is not replaceable (40%), compared with ABC1 workers.

Mr Power continued: “Our research suggests attitudes towards the potential impact of AI are influenced by age and so possibly, career stage and how secure people already feel in their role are also influencing factors. Younger workers are significantly more likely to believe that large parts of their job could disappear, which is understandable given they are still building experience, progressing through the early stages of their careers and trying to establish long-term stability in the workplace.

“For many younger employees, there may be a concern that entry-level and junior roles, which often involve administrative, process-driven or repetitive tasks, are the very areas most likely to be automated first. Those roles have traditionally been an important route for gaining experience, learning from colleagues and progressing into more senior positions.

“Older and more established workers appear more confident that their role will remain relevant, likely due to having greater experience, stronger specialist knowledge or leadership responsibilities that are more difficult to replicate through technology alone.”

Mr Power concluded: “Employers need to communicate with their teams, and where applicable they must help their employees to understand how AI tools can support their work. Businesses that involve employees early and invest in practical upskilling are far more likely to build trust and help people see AI as something that can assist their role rather than threaten it.”