A recent survey conducted by the specialist recruitment firm, Robert Half, has uncovered a compelling insight into the UK workforce‘s attitude towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job hunting. According to the survey, a substantial 70% of workers in the UK express a preference for human interaction over AI when seeking new employment opportunities.
This preference for the human touch is more pronounced, with over a third (36%) of respondents stating a desire to deal exclusively with human contacts rather than job AI systems. Another 34% acknowledged the role of AI but insisted on the importance of human involvement in their job-seeking journey.
The survey also revealed generational differences in attitudes towards AI. Among the younger demographic (18-34 years old), fewer expressed a preference for dealing only with humans (25%), compared to 40% of those aged 35-54 and 49% of those over 55. Notably, nearly half of the younger respondents (43%) still emphasize the necessity of human interaction in the recruitment process.
Interestingly, 35% of UK workers do not perceive any significant impact of AI on their roles as of now and do not anticipate any changes in the current year. A mere 9% believe that AI will streamline their roles by reducing administrative tasks by using automation technology, while only 3% foresee a complete transformation in their work due to AI advancements in 2024.
Kris Harris, Regional Director, UK Technology Solutions at Robert Half, commented on the findings. He noted that while AI has the potential to enhance process optimization and automation, human subjective reasoning remains crucial in many areas. The UK workforce still regards job-seeking as an inherently human experience.
Harris further explained that the modern workforce views their workplace not just as a means to earn a living but as an environment embodying shared values, beliefs, and purpose. This perspective makes the job-seeking and career-building process deeply personal and subjective, which cannot be entirely reliant on AI.
Despite the younger workers generation adeptness at using technology, their inclination towards human connection and learning from people is a trend that is likely to endure. The survey by Robert Half highlights a critical aspect of the evolving workplace and the enduring value of human interaction in an increasingly AI-driven world.
The Workers Union Says,
“Understanding these preferences and inclinations is essential for employers and recruitment firms in shaping their strategies and processes, ensuring they align with the human-centric needs of today’s workforce.”
