Two-thirds of workers think artificial intelligence-led management would make the workplace more fair and efficient, according to an August report from Resume Now.
In addition, 73% said they support using AI in decisions related to hiring, firing and budgeting. While 34% said they’d prefer to report to an AI manager, 62% said they’d still prefer a human.
“Employees are willing to try AI-led management, especially if it improves fairness or decision-making. But that openness does not mean they are ready to say goodbye to human bosses,” Keith Spencer, a career expert for Resume Now, wrote in the report. “Even as applicants embrace AI as part of the hiring and jobs landscape, people still want managers they can talk to, trust, and relate to, especially when it comes to growth, conflict, or career direction.”
As more companies integrate AI, workers are becoming more open to AI-led management and workplace dynamics, according to a CalypsoAI report. For instance, 45% said they trust AI more than their co-workers, and 38% of respondents in that survey said they’d rather have an AI manager than a person.
In the Resume Now survey of more than 900 U.S. workers, 85% said more AI transparency would increase their trust in their employer. In addition, more than half believe AI could make better decisions about promotions than humans, set fair performance goals and give unbiased feedback.
At the same time, 64% of workers said only humans can motivate teams, and more than half said only humans can understand emotions and make morally complex decisions. Beyond that, 39% worry about surveillance or data misuse from AI bosses, and 29% worry AI leaders could make the workplace more impersonal and stressful.
“Employees are not calling for a fully automated workplace. They are asking for thoughtful integration,” Spencer wrote. “AI can streamline systems and support fairness, but it should work alongside human leaders, not replace them. The future of management may be powered by AI, but it will still require the active presence of human leaders with developed AI skills.”
