Irish Survey Reveals Broad AI Adoption and Positive Worker Outlook

The latest Working in Ireland Survey shows one‐third of employees use AI, with most believing it improves work quality and reduces job risk, while significant gaps exist across age, education, and industry sectors. A recent Working in Ireland Survey conducted by the Nevin Economic Research Institute, led by Chris Smart, has revealed that about one third of Irish employees use artificial intelligence (AI) in their day‑to‑day work routines, and nearly half of those users report interacting with AI on a daily basis. Contrary to widespread speculation that AI might threaten job security, only 0.8 percent of the over 3,000 respondents expressed a desire to curtail AI's use due to fear of job loss. In stark contrast, 89 percent of participants stated they believed AI enhanced the quality of their output, while 90 percent felt no increased risk of losing their positions because of AI integration. The survey's findings were officially reported on Monday in a paper titled GenAI Use in Work: Its Reach, Effects, Risks and Limits co‑authored by the three academics from the institute. The study highlighted that approximately 60 percent of AI users reported saving significant time, which they then redirected toward more complex or creative tasks - a benefit frequently cited by AI proponents. However, the authors warned that a notable subset of respondents had previously used that saved time on routine chores; this shift could inadvertently contribute to job displacement if not managed carefully. Most participants who employed AI agreed that their employers benefited from the technology, with only a minimal 4.7 percent indicating any direct wage increase as a result of AI adoption. Demographic trends emerged from the data. Age and education appear to be key differentiators: 42 percent of workers aged 25‑34 reported AI use, more than twice the rate of 19.9 percent among those aged 55‑64. Educational attainment correlated strongly with technology adoption; almost 50 percent of staff holding a master's or doctoral degree used AI, whereas less than 4 percent of individuals with only primary or secondary schooling engaged with the technology. Sector‑specific usage also varied markedly: fields such as information technology, education, and financial services saw over 40 percent AI adoption, while agriculture, transport, and healthcare lagged behind with less than 20 percent, agriculture falling to a mere 5 percent. Training gaps were identified as well. About 60 percent of employees who had received AI-related training reported that sessions lasted less than one day, and many indicated a need for more comprehensive education. Existing training predominantly highlighted AI's benefits rather than potential risks, suggesting a misalignment between workforce needs and corporate learning programmes. Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Ms. Clara Farrington, welcomed the report's release. She emphasized the necessity of responsible, inclusive AI deployment, underscoring that while AI can boost productivity, spur innovation, and underpin economic growth, the government must also tackle labor market disruptions, equip workers with requisite skills, and distribute benefits equitably across the population. She also noted that the sector remains wary of driver shortages, with autonomous technologies forecasted to minimally impact employment before 2040, yet transport operators continue to explore cost‑saving automation solutions. Nevertheless, cautious unions caution that driverless vehicles operated by foreign firms may evade local regulations and further disadvantage local workers. In summary, the survey paints an optimistic picture of AI integration within Irish workplaces, revealing widespread acceptance and perceived efficiency gains while also highlighting significant disparities across age, education, and industry. It calls for balanced policy responses that combine robust training, fair regulatory oversight, and proactive measures to ensure that AI's economic advantages translate into tangible gains for all workers.