Report reveals some employees remain worried over AI's employment impact
Concerns over AI's long-term impact continue among employees in Singapore, according to a new report, while the government continues to pledge support for workers.
ADP Research's People at Work 2025 Report revealed that 19% of employees in Singapore are still uncertain about how AI will change their jobs in the coming year.
It found that while 16% believe in the technology's positive impacts, another 11% are worried it could replace their jobs.
According to the report, more than a quarter (26%) of knowledge workers who are in creative and expertise-driven roles are more likely to feel uncertain amid AI adoption.
They are three times more likely to be unsure of AI's impact than those who carry out repetitive tasks (9%).
Younger workers aged between 18 and 26 years old are also 2.5 times more likely to express uncertainty than older workers who are aged between 55 and 64 years old, the report added.
The findings come after the adoption of generative AI tools in Singapore surged in the past year, according to the EY 2024 Work Reimagined Survey. It found that 79% of employees are now using GenAI as part of their work, a major increase from the 24% in 2023.
Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR, APAC, ADP, said AI is reshaping how Singapore's workforce sees the future.
"While many recognise AI's productivity benefits, the uncertainty about its long-term impact on careers remains," Teo said in a statement.
"It is important for employers to clearly communicate AI strategies, invest in upskilling, and foster employees with the right mindsets so they can confidently navigate – and thrive in – an AI-driven future."
Support ensured amid AI adoption
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Monday assured employees of targeted interventions to support employees who will be affected by AI adoption.
"We must proactively identify job roles that will be affected by AI so that we can target our upskilling and reskilling interventions to help workers move into high value jobs enabled by AI," Gan said in a speech during the Ministry of Trade and Industry's Economic Dialogue 2025.
"Most importantly, we want to transform both enterprises and the workforce in a complementary way so that AI becomes a tool for enhancement and not displacement of labour."
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also previously pledged a people-first approach to AI in his National Day Rally speech.
"It can potentially replace many tasks – even entire jobs. I understand these concerns," Wong said. "We will work closely with NTUC and the unions; with our union leaders and workers. We will redesign jobs, and equip and empower every worker."
