Only 9% of employees in Poland say they don’t know what automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are, while nearly 47% express a desire to deepen their knowledge of these technologies. As interest grows, so do concerns—ranging from a lack of skills to anxiety about the pace of change and uncertainty over future careers. According to the 2025 Labor Market Barometer by Gi Group Holding, access to education and knowledge may be the deciding factor in how well teams adapt to the technological revolution.
Humans vs. Algorithms: Understanding the Knowledge Gap
The report reveals that just 9% of employees are unfamiliar with automation and AI or how these tools are used. On the other end of the spectrum, 21.8% claim to fully understand both technologies and their applications. Another 47% say they have a general understanding but would like to learn more.
Generational differences are stark:
- Among workers aged 18–24, 35% report full understanding, and 38% want to expand their knowledge.
- In the 55+ age group, only 10% fully understand the technologies, while nearly 17% admit they don’t understand how AI and automation work at all.
“Younger generations have grown up surrounded by digital technology, making it easier for them to grasp and apply these tools,” says Grzegorz Gojny, Regional Director at Gi Group.
“However, it’s equally important that older workers are given the chance to upskill, as technological literacy is becoming a core competency in the labor market.”
Yet, nearly 55% of employees say they have no access to educational resources about AI at work, or that their employer’s efforts are insufficient. Only 9% report having broad access to knowledge and real opportunities to grow their tech skills.
Who’s Using AI at Work?
Currently, 28.5% of employees regularly use AI tools at work. The highest usage is in:
- Services (35.3%)
- Transport and logistics (32.3%)
- Retail (32.1%)
The public sector lags behind, with just over 21% adoption.
Young adults (18–24) lead in usage, with half reporting active use of AI at work. Usage across other age groups hovers around 25%.
Interestingly, women report using AI tools at work more often than men (30.4% vs. 26.7%), even though men more frequently claim to understand these technologies.
The higher the income and position, the more likely an employee is to use AI regularly in their role.
AI adoption is also becoming a strategic imperative for leadership, requiring managers not only to adapt processes but to integrate technology thoughtfully across operations. Notably, 25% of companies cite a lack of knowledge at the managerial level as the main barrier to adopting AI tools.
“AI is transforming management by enabling leaders to base decisions on precise analytics rather than intuition alone,” explains Daniel Piaszczyk, Senior Partner Executive IT at Wyser Executive Search.
“It helps forecast trends, optimize supply chains, personalize offerings, and automate routine tasks—freeing managers to focus on strategic goals. Still, human ethics and intuition remain essential.”
What Are Workers Afraid Of?
Roughly one-third (32.7%) of employees express no fears about automation or AI. However, the remainder voice concerns such as:
- Job security – 18% fear losing their jobs due to technological change.
- Feeling overwhelmed – 18% are anxious about the fast pace of innovation.
- Skill gaps – 12% worry they won’t be able to acquire the necessary competencies.
- Tech anxiety – Another 12% fear they won’t be able to handle new tools.
- The most common concern? 21.5% fear they simply won’t be able to keep up with rapid technological evolution.
“These concerns are understandable,” says Ewa Michalska, Chief Operating Officer at Grafton Recruitment.
“Many workers lack hands-on experience with new technologies but are hearing a lot about their growing impact. That gap can create uncertainty—especially when people feel left out of the transition.”
“That’s why companies need to clearly communicate the purpose of new technologies and invest in education. Involving employees in the change process fosters trust, curiosity, and readiness to learn.”
The Bottom Line
Workers want to engage with automation and AI—but many feel they lack the tools or support. The solution is clear: education, access, and transparency. As companies navigate the digital transformation, ensuring employees are part of the journey is not just ethical—it’s essential for success.
Source: CEO.com.pl – Automation and AI Are Reshaping the Job Market. Workers Want to Keep Up
Research: Barometr Rynku Pracy 2025, Gi Group Holding
