A new national survey of more than 1,000 U.S. workers suggests that the rise of artificial intelligence may be reshaping more than productivity. it could also be changing how people experience their jobs. According to the AI and Workplace Humanity Report from AI resume builder Resume Now, nearly two-thirds of employees (63 percent) expect AI to make the workplace feel less human this year, and 42 percent point to dehumanization as a key workforce concern.
While headlines often focus on AI’s potential to automate tasks and boost efficiency, the survey highlights a deeper cultural impact. Many workers are thinking beyond workflows and output, considering how AI might affect connection, critical thinking skills, and their sense of meaning at work.
A Shift in Workplace Humanity
Of the respondents:
- 43 percent anticipate work becoming more devalued and automated
- 20 percent predict a stark shift, describing a cold, machine-driven environment
- Just 16 percent believe AI could make work feel more human, freeing people to focus on meaningful tasks
- 21 percent expect little or no change
“Technology adoption is never just about output,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “When most workers say AI will make the workplace feel less human, it signals anxiety about critical thinking, surveillance, and connection. Employees aren’t rejecting AI—they’re asking how it will be used and whether it strengthens or weakens the human side of work.”
Human Skills at Risk
The survey also finds concern over skill erosion as a major issue. Over half of workers (57 percent) say reliance on AI could reduce human skills, ranking it above job displacement (49 percent). Dehumanization (42 percent), surveillance or data misuse (36 percent), and lack of transparency (35 percent) also feature among top workforce concerns.
When it comes to immediate fears:
- 29 percent cite job loss
- 23 percent worry about data misuse or privacy violations
- 20 percent fear a decline in creativity or critical thinking
- 18 percent are concerned about constant surveillance
- 10 percent cite hidden bias in hiring or promotions
AI Skills Will Matter, But Not Everywhere
Despite these concerns, workers do not see AI expertise becoming mandatory for all roles. Nearly half (48 percent) say AI skills will matter in some jobs but not most, while only 18 percent expect such skills to be required across nearly all white-collar positions by 2026.
Looking Ahead
The survey paints a picture of a workforce navigating both opportunity and unease. AI may promise efficiency, but workers are keeping a close eye on how it shapes the human side of work, such as creativity, connection, and skill development.
The survey polled 1,003 employed U.S. adults in October 2025, spanning a broad demographic range: 67 percent female, 33 percent male, with representation across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.
