Gen Z employees optimistic about AI in SA workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been and will continue to reshape the global workforce. South Africa’s Generation Z (Gen Z) employees are more accepting of rather than against the infiltration of AI and its potential, with 68% of them believing it will have a positive impact on the world of work.

Nathier Jappie, regional manager for Africa at the Top Employers Institute, notes that there are striking differences in AI perceptions across the globe, according to insight from their new white paper.

A global survey was conducted by Top Employers Institute and while South Africans are generally optimistic, with 64.5% of respondents believing technology will boost their career prospects, other countries show more hesitation.

In Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom, only half of the respondents anticipate career benefits from AI, mainly due to fears around job displacement.

In contrast, participants in India and China exhibit even higher confidence levels, with up to 80% of respondents seeing AI as a positive force in their careers.

South Africans also see AI as a tool for self-improvement. The white paper shows that 82% of South African Gen Z employees believe AI will help them acquire new skills, while 70% feel it will enhance their efficiency.

Moreover, 58.5% are confident that AI will create new job opportunities, and 73.5% believe it will contribute to better work-life balance.

Jappie adds that there are varying expectations from respondents in different industries. “While fears of AI-driven job losses have been prevalent in the manufacturing industry, professionals showed the most optimism. In contrast, those in the human-centric hospitality industry displayed the most pessimism,” he says.

Given the diverse views held by Gen Zs as AI becomes more prominent in the workplace, especially considering that they will be the largest generation in the workforce by 2035, Jappie advises HR leaders to involve employees in any AI integration processes.

“Organisations must focus on educating their employees about how AI can complement and not replace their skills,” he says.

He adds, “Gen Zs are not only frequent but proficient users of the technology, their insights can help shape effective AI usage in specific roles and departments.”

Furthermore, he stresses that as AI rapidly evolves, businesses must prioritise establishing an ethical framework for its use.

“HR practitioners must understand AI’s complexities and clearly outline the permissible and prohibited use of the technology, to ensure responsible AI use,” Jappie adds.
– IOL