Current influence of AI on work
At the moment, AI's influence on daily work tasks is still emerging. Only 12% of respondents in Belgium reported that AI is already impacting their work, which is relatively low compared to other European countries like Italy (24%). However, expectations for future influence are higher, with many Belgian employees anticipating significant changes in the next few years. Across Europe, more than half of the respondents (53%) say that AI applications are already influencing their work or will do so in the near future. Additionally, 70.9% of Belgian respondents have used or are actively using AI applications like ChatGPT, slightly below the West-European average of 72.1% but higher than in neighboring Germany (67.3%) and the Netherlands (66%). As a side note, at EY Belgium, we see a consequence of this in our human resources department. Three out of four application letters from young consultants are made with ChatGPT. We do not condemn its use, but we do ask them to remain critical of its output.
Upskilling and reskilling
To mitigate the negative impacts of AI, such as job displacement, there is a strong emphasis on upskilling and reskilling the workforce. The report highlights the critical role of training in preparing employees for the AI transformation. Yet many Belgian employees feel that current training initiatives are insufficient. More than eight out of ten Belgian employees state that their company does not provide enough help or training to work with AI. The demand for live training and workshops is particularly high, indicating a need for more interactive and comprehensive learning opportunities to equip workers with the necessary AI-related skills. However, 56.1% of Belgian managers believe their employees have already received adequate training to work effectively with AI. It is important to note here that AI is a shared responsibility. Companies need to actively make employees more agile by building a company culture in which people dare to experiment with AI and make mistakes. At the same time, employees need to understand that their work can look different tomorrow and that they have the means to self-educate to prepare for changes.
AI and its sector-specific impacts
The way employees perceive the impact of AI varies across sectors. Employees in Financial Services (82%), Technology, Media & Telecommunications (82%), and Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility (77%) are most optimistic about AI development. These are also the sectors that are most proactive when it comes to adopting AI. Meanwhile, employees in Health Sciences & Wellness (58%), and the Government & Public sector (53%) find AI the least promising. Most concerns raised in these sectors have to do with privacy, ethics, and loss of control, despite the fact that AI has a lot to offer to these sectors as well. It is important to remember that AI primarily facilitates. The human touch will always remain crucial when AI is in play. Even with small AI applications, like writing patient files, the doctor has to check the output at all times. AI just saves them the time of having to write the files themselves. The same generally applies to all sectors.
Regulatory landscape
The regulatory environment around AI is also evolving. The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), introduced in May 2024, aims to regulate AI development and use. This regulatory framework is crucial for addressing concerns such as privacy, bias in algorithms, and job displacement. Compliance with these regulations will be essential for companies operating in Belgium and across Europe.
Conclusion
AI is poised to have a profound impact on employees in Belgium, bringing both challenges and opportunities. While job displacement due to automation is a significant concern, the potential for job transformation and the creation of new roles cannot be overlooked. To fully harness the benefits of AI, there is a pressing need for comprehensive upskilling and reskilling programs in Belgium, along with robust regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical and fair AI deployment. As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial for Belgian organizations to adopt a human-centered approach, focusing on empowering employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This approach will help ensure that employees are not just surviving but thriving in an AI-driven future.
