77% of EU Workers Want Managers Involved in AI Design and Execution

The European Commission, through the latest Eurobarometer survey conducted between April and May 2024, has unveiled critical insights into the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on the workforce.

Download the full Eurobarometer report here [+]

Findings highlight a generally positive perception of AI’s role in work distribution and efficiency but also underline significant concerns about transparency, employee monitoring, and regulatory oversight.

More than 70% of EU workers ask managers and leaders to actively participate in AI implementation and digitalisation developments.

Eurobarometer: Key Findings

According to the report, 60% of respondents believe AI has a positive impact on work distribution, while 62% think digital technologies overall contribute positively to the world.

More than half (56%) of employees also see recent digital advancements as beneficial to society. However, there is a clear demand for robust regulations to mitigate potential risks associated with AI and digital tools, particularly regarding worker protection and decision-making processes.

Download full infographic here [+]

A substantial 82% of respondents expressed concerns about worker privacy in the age of AI-driven workplaces, while 77% of EU workers believe that managers, leaders, and employees must be actively involved in the design and implementation of AI technologies.

Transparency in HR decision-making is also a significant issue, with 75% of respondents calling for more openness and 74% advocating for a prohibition on fully automated decision-making processes. Moreover, 72% support limiting automated employee monitoring.

In terms of AI skills, the survey finds that 71% of EU citizens consider themselves proficient in digital technologies and AI tools—an increase of 14% compared to 2017.

The perception of Artificial Intelligence remains divided across Europe, with Denmark showing the highest level of optimism at 86%, whereas Greece and Portugal report the lowest confidence levels at 48%.

While 62% of EU citizens view AI positively, 32% still maintain a negative perception.

Additionally, 61% of respondents fear Artificial Intelligence may negatively affect workplace communication among colleagues, especially in the context of remote and hybrid work.

The Role of Managers in AI Leadership

A particularly relevant finding is that over 50% of business leaders and managers claim they are informed about the use of AI and digital technologies in their organisations. However, this figure might have been higher if the recently proposed AI Liability Directive had not been withdrawn just days before the publication of the report.

This backdrop underscores the critical role of managers in guiding AI integration and digital transformation within the workplace.

CEC European Managers, as a key voice for leadership in European social dialogue, has taken proactive steps in this domain by publishing a position paper on AI Leadership and Partnership, expressing its support for the right to a human manager.

Download full position paper here [+]

This document outlines essential guidelines for responsible AI use and highlights the necessity of collaboration among leaders, employees, and policymakers to shape an AI-powered workforce that prioritizes both efficiency and ethical considerations.

Everybody has the right to a human manager.

CEC European Managers has also announced the upcoming launch of its Working Group on Digitalisation and AI. This initiative will provide expertise to EU institutions, industry stakeholders, and other social partners, ensuring that AI implementation aligns with European values of fairness, accountability, and inclusivity.