India has emerged as the second-most optimistic country globally regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, with 34 per cent of employees strongly believing AI will improve their jobs, according to a report by ADP Research. Egypt leads the global chart with 36 per cent of employees expressing similar confidence.
The report, based on a survey of 38,000 working adults across six continents, highlights that only 17 per cent of Indian respondents fear AI will replace their jobs. In contrast, countries like Japan and Sweden showed the lowest levels of optimism, at 4 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.
Regionally, optimism about AI’s role in job enhancement varies: 11 per cent in Europe, 13 per cent in North America, 16 per cent in Asia-Pacific, 19 per cent in Latin America, and 27 per cent in the Middle East and Africa expect AI to improve their roles in the coming year.
Despite the optimism, concerns about job displacement persist. Globally, 30 per cent of respondents believe they could be replaced and are actively seeking new employment, while 16 per cent feel vulnerable but have not yet begun job hunting. Additionally, 44 per cent remain uncertain about AI’s impact on their careers.
Rahul Goyal, MD of ADP India and Southeast Asia, noted that knowledge workers and mid-career professionals in India are particularly hopeful about AI’s potential. However, younger professionals continue to express anxiety over job security. Goyal emphasized the need for employers to foster trust through transparent communication and robust upskilling initiatives in AI.
The report also found that employees in technology services, banking, insurance, and information sectors generally hold a positive view of AI’s potential, though they also report higher levels of concern about being replaced. In the Asia-Pacific region, 22 per cent of employees in these sectors expect AI to enhance their jobs over the next year.
