An employee's resilience and problem-solving skills may keep them ahead of the implications of generative AI technology in the workplace. The new Workforce Well-Being study from meQuilibrium found a quarter of employees with low positivity rates are concerned about the impact of AI threatening their job security. Meanwhile, just 16 percent of workers who consider themselves highly positive felt the same threat. 

The study found that strong problem-solving skills make employees 66 percent more likely to experience positive productivity gains from the use of generative AI and half are as likely to be concerned about job security. More than 68 percent of employers, however, report feeling safe from generative AI job replacement, compared to 18 percent of employees overall.  

"Fundamental traits such as positivity, problem-solving and resilience confer significant advantages when it comes to navigating the transformative impact of generative AI," said Brad Smith, Ph.D., chief science officer at meQuilibrium. "While some employees are raising concerns about job displacement due to AI, positive employees and those who possess problem-solving skills are better able to adapt to AI in the workplace, take advantage of its capabilities, and are less concerned about job security."  

The study found a significant difference in attitudes between highly resilient and low resilient employees. Highly resilient employees felt less threatened by generative AI and showcased a marked improvement in productivity. Approximately 35 percent of resilient workers responded that they felt generative AI was beneficial to their day-to-day productivity. Resilient employees were also less likely to report feeling fear toward AI systems, at just 13 percent compared to 26 percent of low-resilience employees. 

"This disparity highlights the importance of cultivating resilience among the workforce as organizations continue to integrate and leverage the capabilities of generative AI," Dr. Smith said. 

The study found that 31 percent of companies have implemented guidance on the use of day-to-day AI, however, just 9.3 percent of employees reported they are getting enough practical support to use these technologies. 

Gaps were also found within employment fields, with 5.1 percent of health services employees reporting they have been provided with day-to-day AI guidance tools, compared with more than 56 percent of technology employees. 

"Employees who are better equipped to adapt to change and embrace new technologies are better positioned to harness the productivity-enhancing potential of these tools and are more confident in their ability to navigate the evolving job market," said Smith.