Question

Artificial Intelligence and Automation threaten traditional job roles, causing high levels of ‘AI-nxiety’ in many workers. The stress stems from a lack of clarity about which jobs are truly at risk and a fear of becoming irrelevant. McKinsey & Company reckons that automation will displace between 400 and 800 million jobs by 2030, requiring as many as 375 million people to switch job categories entirely. (Source (edited): The Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Widespread Job Losses Calum McClelland April 19, 2025)

1. With reference to the above excerpt, name the type of stress that employees might be facing. (1)
2. Examine any three work related causes of stress experienced by the employees who face job uncertainty. (3)

Answer 1

a. Stress is the type of stress that employees might be facing.

b. Employees facing job uncertainty often experience stress due to the following:

1. Job Insecurity: The persistent stress of being laid off or replaced by automation. The prospect of losing one’s job and financial security is a major source of chronic anxiety.
2. Role Ambiguity: A lack of clarity about future employment roles. When employees are unsure about what will be expected of them or whether their existing talents will be relevant, they experience significant mental stress.
3. Technological Pressure (Skill Obsolescence): Constant pressure to “upskill” or “re-skill” to keep up with AI. The concern that one’s hard-earned skills will become obsolete causes feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy.