The vast majority of Brits (88 per cent) are happy for Artificial Intelligence to be used in the recruitment process but draw the line when it comes to human decision making, according to new research from Totaljobs.
The research, which asked 2,002 UK workers about their thoughts on how AI will impact their working lives, found that nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) believe that full disclosure of how the technology is used in the hiring process should be mandatory.
When it comes to the initial hiring process, the research indicates that jobseekers are tentatively in favour of the use of conversational AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to create job adverts (38 per cent), tweak job adverts to remove biased language (36 per cent), screen CVs and job applications for a human recruiter to then shortlist candidates (36 per cent) and create interview questions (34 per cent). 4 in 10 (42 per cent) believe that proper and responsible use of AI will ultimately make the recruitment process fairer for applicants.
The research also reveals where people draw the line at having AI involved in their job-seeking journey and how face-to-face interactions are non-negotiable. Most candidates don’t think it’s acceptable for AI to conduct job interviews (86 per cent) or help with the decision-making process after an interview (84 per cent).
Only 1 in 10 (14 per cent) would accept an interview conducted by an AI, with three quarters (66 per cent) of participants worried about AI’s inability to fairly assess a candidates’ wider soft skills.
Beyond the hiring process there’s a clear recognition from UK workers that AI has the potential to revolutionise their everyday tasks within the next 5 years (44 per cent). More than half (54 per cent) agreed that the use of AI will help cut down on manual tasks, 56 per cent said it will empower them to learn new skills, and 46 per cent said it will enhance their productivity.
However, the research shows there is a disconnect between the enthusiasm for the opportunities that AI offers and everyday adoption in the workplace. Half of UK workers admit they have never used AI and only 21 per cent said they feel very comfortable using it. In addition, more than a third (39 per cent) do not have a clear understanding of how AI is applied in their industry.
Totaljobs’ research shows that whilst workers are enthusiastic about the opportunities that the AI revolution has for personal career development, they’re concerned about the long-term implications, such as a lack of human oversight, or their job becoming obsolete.
As such, companies looking to implement a successful AI integration need to act transparently and with care. Upskilling employees and educating the workforce on AI’s benefits will be key to smoothen the transition and deliver the vital human input necessary to reassure workers and drive a successful, lasting revolution of the workforce.
“Artificial Intelligence has unleashed a revolution across industries, but it is the advent Conversational AI that truly democratises its power, especially in the realm of job searches and recruitment,” says Sebastian Dettmers, Global CEO of The StepStone Group. “These ground-breaking tools not only streamline repetitive tasks but also open doors for individuals to tap into AI’s vast potential. However, as excitement grows, so does the fear of its being replaced among workers. To counter the great people-shortage, employers must therefore ensure that their people are educated and upskilled to be ready for the future.
“Employers and recruiters must take the lead in addressing concerns about AI. Ensuring transparency and clear communication about how they leverage this technology to enhance the recruitment process is vital, as well as offering existing employees the training and development need to harness this new technology to progress their own careers.”
