Behind the Numbers: Using AI at Work: Part 1—Employees Anxiety Levels and How the Tech is Impacting Jobs

EMARKETER’s “Behind the Numbers” podcast delves into the evolving landscape of digital media, providing marketers, retailers, and advertisers with critical insights. In the March 31, 2025 episode titled "Using AI at Work: Part 1—Employees Anxiety Levels and How the Tech is Impacting Jobs," host Marcus engages with EMARKETER analysts Garjo Sevilla and Henry Powderley to explore the growing concerns and tangible effects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.

1. Setting the Stage: The Rise of AI in the Workplace

The episode opens with Marcus introducing the topic of AI’s integration into the workplace, focusing specifically on employee anxiety and job impacts. Garjo Sevilla, EMARKETER’s senior analyst on AI and technology, and Henry Powderley, the SVP of media content and strategy, join the conversation to dissect current sentiments and future projections.

2. Employee Anxiety Surrounding AI

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the growing anxiety among employees regarding AI's role in their professional lives. Citing a recent Pew Research study, Marcus highlights that "52% of Americans are worried about the future use of AI in the workplace, compared to 36% who are hopeful" (04:07). This sentiment reflects a broader unease about the potential for AI to displace jobs and alter traditional work dynamics.

Henry Powderley offers a counterbalance, suggesting that anxiety may subside over time as employees become more familiar with AI tools. He posits that "the anxiety will lessen as people find relief and efficiency through generative AI (gen AI) tools, allowing them to offload mundane tasks and enhance their strategic work" (05:01). Henry emphasizes the importance of organizational support, including training and resource allocation, to help employees adapt and thrive alongside AI technologies.

3. Impact of AI on Job Prospects

The conversation shifts to the tangible impact of AI on job opportunities. Marcus references studies indicating a pessimistic outlook among workers:

• 32% believe AI use will lead to fewer job opportunities.
• 6% foresee more job opportunities.

Interestingly, this pessimism spans both AI users and non-users, with AI users expressing a 3-to-1 ratio of fearing fewer prospects, while non-users exhibit a 6-to-1 ratio (06:05). This trend underscores a pervasive fear that AI may render certain roles obsolete, particularly in knowledge-based industries where AI can enhance productivity but might also streamline workforce needs.

4. Challenges in AI Adoption and Training

A critical barrier to alleviating anxiety is the gap between AI adoption and effective training. Marcus notes that only 12% of workers have taken an AI-related class in the past year (07:30). Garjo Sevilla adds that "less than 40% of the workforce have access to generative AI tools", and of those, only 60% engage with these tools daily (08:31). This disparity highlights a significant challenge: without proper training and access, employees cannot fully leverage AI’s potential benefits, thereby perpetuating uncertainty and fear.

Henry Powderley emphasizes the need for organizational investment in training programs to enable employees to explore and effectively use AI tools. He suggests that companies must balance encouraging innovation with implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive data (07:36).

5. Security Concerns with Personal AI Tools

The reliance on personal AI tools introduces security vulnerabilities. Marcus points out that "half of knowledge workers are using personal AI tools at work", often at their own expense, as employers do not provide adequate resources (09:04). Garjo Sevilla highlights the risks associated with employees using unvetted AI applications, which can lead to the mishandling of company data and intellectual property (09:48).

6. Diverging Perspectives on AI’s Impact

The guests explore differing views on whether AI's impact on jobs is currently significant or overstated. Garjo Sevilla argues that while AI adoption is increasing, its full impact is mitigated by factors such as "AI slop"—the proliferation of low-quality AI-generated content that undermines trust and slows meaningful integration (18:01). He suggests that strategic, regulated implementation of AI tools is necessary to harness their benefits without adverse effects.

Conversely, Henry Powderley presents data indicating significant AI penetration across various sectors. He cites a Nextiva survey where 40% of respondents use generative AI for customer communications, and 34% of retail CFOs employ AI for pricing strategies (13:40). These statistics demonstrate that AI is already reshaping job functions, particularly in areas like programming. Marcus references a Washington Post article about the decline in computer programmer employment, attributing it to AI's growing proficiency in coding (15:15).

7. The Future of AI in Job Markets

Looking ahead, Henry emphasizes that AI will continue to evolve as a tool rather than a replacement. He shares his experience with adopting AI tools like Spiral for copywriting, which streamline workflows and enhance creativity without eliminating the need for human input (12:26). However, he acknowledges the need for companies to establish clear policies to mitigate data security risks while fostering an environment conducive to AI exploration.

Garjo Sevilla adds that major tech companies, like Google, are heavily investing in AI, with 25% of their coding being AI-assisted (16:56). This trend signifies a deeper integration of AI in professional tasks, potentially transforming how industries operate and create value.

8. Balancing Optimism and Realism

The episode concludes with a balanced view on AI’s role in the workforce. While there is undeniable anxiety and some negative impacts, especially in sectors vulnerable to automation, there is also optimism that AI can augment human capabilities. The key takeaway is the necessity for proactive measures—such as comprehensive training, strategic implementation, and robust security protocols—to ensure that AI serves as a beneficial tool rather than a disruptive force.

Garjo Sevilla remarks, "AI should be seen as an assistant, not a replacement" (10:29), encapsulating the episode’s overarching message: the future of work with AI hinges on thoughtful adoption and continuous adaptation by both employees and organizations.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, Marcus teases the forthcoming second part of the series, scheduled for April 4th, which will delve deeper into how businesses are utilizing AI and offer practical tips for integrating AI into the workplace effectively. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for actionable insights that can help them navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

This episode underscores the complex interplay between technological advancement and workforce dynamics, highlighting the importance of preparedness and proactive strategies in mitigating anxiety and harnessing AI’s full potential.

Notable Quotes

• Marcus: “52% of Americans are worried, 36% about the future use of AI in the workplace.” (04:07)

• Henry Powderley: “The anxiety will lessen as people find relief and efficiency through generative AI tools.” (05:01)

• Garjo Sevilla: “Less than 40% of the workforce say they have access to gen AI tools.” (08:31)

• Henry Powderley: “Organizations need to push in the direction of using generative AI to explore new products and enhance creativity.” (05:01)

• Garjo Sevilla: “AI should be seen as an assistant, not a replacement.” (10:29)

For further insights and detailed analysis, subscribe to EMARKETER’s "Behind the Numbers" podcast, available on all major platforms.