Press Releases

• Survey shows Gen Z and millennials are most likely to use AI to their advantage at work
• Automating routine tasks and increasing efficiency are the biggest anticipated benefits

TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2023 /CNW/ - The use of generative AI has workers feeling a mixture of emotions about their skills and career prospects, research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. According to a survey of more than 1,140 workers in Canada, 27 per cent think generative AI will have a positive impact on their career, compared to 17 per cent who worry it could make their skills obsolete. More than 3 in 10 respondents (32 per cent) feel generative AI will have no impact on their job prospects, and a quarter are unsure.

Attitudes by Generation and Occupation

• Gen Zers (46 per cent) and millennials (36 per cent) are more optimistic about generative AI than Gen Xers (20 per cent) and baby boomers (16 per cent).
• More than 6 in 10 Gen Zers (63 per cent) use or plan to use AI to help with improving their LinkedIn or online profiles, 61 per cent for resume writing and keyword optimization, and 60 per cent for assistance with cover letters, interview preparation, and job searches. This is compared to significantly smaller numbers of millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers who use or plan to use generative AI for assistance with their careers.
• Technology (38 per cent) and marketing and creative (31 per cent) professionals are most likely to feel that generative AI will create more demand for their skills.

"Generative AI comes with many questions about both its potential and its risks, and it's natural for professionals and businesses to have mixed feelings about its impact", said David King, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half, Canada and South America. "Understanding how it can be leveraged for both workers' and employers' benefit, along with considering its drawbacks, is crucial at this time."

Embracing Generative AI Across Professions

According to the research, workers say the greatest benefits of using generative AI on the job are automating time-consuming tasks (36 per cent) and increasing efficiency and productivity (24 per cent). Many companies see the upside of leveraging generative AI in the workplace, too. In a separate Robert Half survey, managers shared the top ways their teams are using the technology:

King added: "Being receptive to the potential of generative AI—such as alleviating time-consuming routine tasks and freeing up bandwidth for more stimulating projects—is important. However, it will require the implementation of clear guidelines and best practices to ensure responsible use."

The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from May 4-30, 2023. They include responses from 1,148 workers 18 and older and 1,373 hiring managers in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Offering contract and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, legal, and marketing and creative, Robert Half has more than 300 locations worldwide. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti^®, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named to the Fortune^® Most Admired Companies^™. Explore our comprehensive solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.ca.

SOURCE Robert Half Canada