The digital revolution continues and is reflected in the restructuring of work processes. According to a survey by consultancy firm Deloitte, 81 percent of employees in Austria think so. 61 percent welcome the ongoing digitization. But at the same time, 38 percent have persistent fears of related job losses due to artificial intelligence (AI) and the like.
The survey of 500 dependent employees shows that the use of new technologies in the business context is widely accepted. However, the fear persists. “To master the digital transformation as best as possible, it is important to proactively redesign the work,” demands Deloitte partner Anna Nowshad. “This is the only way to get the best out of human resources and new technologies – while creating real added value for companies and employees.”
The 61 percent who are positive favor a balanced mix of human interaction and technological support, according to Nowshad. But: “The enormous potential of digitization for creating new jobs has not yet reached everyone,” she says, referring to the large third (38 percent) of those surveyed who are mainly afraid of losing their job.
Companies invest in new technologies
However, the digital revolution is in full swing for domestic companies. 87 percent of employees are currently experiencing an increase in investment in new technologies and infrastructure. 81 percent also noted a restructuring of work processes. And about a quarter say certain activities and tasks have already been automated or replaced by digital tools.
At least 16 percent of the surveyed employees use AI at least occasionally. It is mainly used for repetitive tasks and automation (49 percent) and for data-driven decisions (34 percent).
A third sees AI as a threat
According to Nowshad, more than a third also see opportunities in the use of AI. “However, another third also sees the technology as a threat.” A responsible development and implementation of AI is also necessary.
Due to the increasing use of technological tools, the demands on the skills of employees are also changing. 75 percent of respondents see technical knowledge and skills such as programming and data analysis as absolutely necessary in the future. But critical thinking and problem-solving skills (65 percent) and communication and collaboration skills (58 percent) are also increasingly important in the job.
Nowshad demands that companies should expand and promote the digital skills of their employees. “Because this internal know-how will be a central cornerstone for further business success in the future,” says the expert.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
