Survey results show that one in three EU workers use AI tools at work

According to a survey's results published by the Commission's Joint Research Centre, digital technologies have become integral to daily work: 90% workers in the EU use digital devices and 30% now use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as chatbots powered by large language models. The survey draws on responses from more than 70,000 workers across all 27 Member States.

Overall, workers report largely positive experiences, citing AI has made their work easier.

AI tools are most commonly used for text-related tasks such as writing and translation, helping workers save time and boost productivity.

37% of workers also say that employers are using AI and other tools for monitoring working hours.

Algorithmic management, the automatic allocation or evaluation of work, is gaining ground as well, with 24% of workers having their schedules set automatically. While these developments bring efficiency gains, the report notes that monitoring and management technologies can increase workers' stress and reduce autonomy, particularly in sectors like transport and mining.

Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, said:

AI and digital tools can make work more productive and creative, and they must serve people. With the right safeguards, skills and social dialogue, we can make digitalisation a driver of fairness, inclusion and quality jobs.

This survey is useful input to EU policy discussions on the use of AI and algorithmic management in the workplace. It complements the Commission's broader efforts to ensure a fair and inclusive digital transition.

Context

The EU's framework to ensure that digital and AI transformations uphold European values includes the AI Act, which regulates the development and deployment of trustworthy AI, and the Platform Work Directive, which ensures transparency and fairness in algorithmic management in the gig economy.

Through the Union of Skills, the EU is boosting training, lifelong learning and skills recognition across Europe. In total, the EU invest over €150 billion to help people, businesses and education institutions develop the skills needed for a competitive and inclusive European economy.

These efforts complement the forthcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap and work on the right to disconnect, ensuring that Europe's digital transition creates opportunities while protecting fairness and social rights.

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