How Optimistic is India About AI's Impact on Jobs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India ranks second globally in AI optimism with 34 percent support.
- Only 17 percent fear job replacement due to AI.
- Global averages show 17 percent believe AI will improve jobs next year.
- 30 percent of respondents are actively looking for new jobs.
- Employers should focus on upskilling and transparent communication.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) According to a recent report, India ranks as the country with the second-highest percentage of employees, at 34 percent, who strongly believe that AI will have a positive influence on their jobs. Leading the global optimism index is Egypt, where 36 percent of workers share this sentiment.
Only 17 percent of Indian respondents expressed concerns about AI potentially replacing their jobs. In contrast, Japan and Sweden reported the least optimism, with only 4 percent and 6 percent, respectively, according to research conducted by ADP.
Within Europe, 11 percent of those surveyed anticipate that AI will enhance their work within the next year, while 13 percent in North America, 16 percent in APAC, 19 percent in Latin America, and 27 percent in the Middle East and Africa echoed similar sentiments. ADP Research conducted this survey across 38,000 working adults on six continents.
Interestingly, 30 percent of the respondents felt they might be replaced and are actively pursuing new job opportunities. Approximately 16 percent acknowledged the possibility of replacement but have yet to embark on a job search.
“AI is transforming our work dynamics and influencing how employees perceive their job futures,” stated Rahul Goyal, MD of ADP India and Southeast Asia.
“Mid-career professionals and knowledge workers in India are optimistic about the potential of AI to enhance their roles in the future. Despite this optimism, there are still significant concerns regarding job displacement, particularly among younger professionals. Employers must prioritize upskilling in AI and maintain open, transparent dialogues to foster trust,” Goyal emphasized.
Globally, 17 percent of employees either “strongly agree” or “agree” that AI will enhance their jobs in the coming year, while 10 percent expressed concerns about being replaced.
Around 44 percent of the respondents remain uncertain about AI’s impact on their employment. Employees in sectors such as technology services, banking, insurance, and information exhibit a more positive outlook on AI’s effects but harbor greater fears regarding potential job loss. In the Asia-Pacific area, 22 percent of employees in these fields expect AI to improve their jobs within the next year.