Survey: 81% of Latvian Workers Are Not Afraid Artificial Intelligence Will Replace Their Jobs

Most workers in Latvia are not afraid that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace them in the future, according to a survey by the research and consulting company Fifty5Blue. The poll, conducted from 21 to 27 April, covered 950 employees in Latvia. It shows how residents view a technology that is increasingly changing daily duties and the skills required across various professions.

Attitudes toward AI's impact on professions

Among respondents, 43% view AI's effect on the future of their profession positively, and 12% of them believe it will open up new opportunities. A negative view is held by 14%, while 5% think the technology threatens their profession. Another 28% believe AI will not affect their work, and 15% have no firm opinion.

The most optimistic are workers aged 25 to 34, people with higher education, managers and senior-level specialists. A more positive attitude is also more common among higher earners, residents of the Riga region and those who work remotely or in a hybrid mode.

By sector, AI's impact is rated more favourably by those employed in information and communication technology (ICT), finance and insurance, public administration, defence and education. Opinions in ICT are nevertheless especially divided: some workers see new opportunities, while others worry about their jobs.

The conviction that AI will not affect their work is more common among workers aged 55 to 65, those with secondary education and people doing physical labour. It is also expressed more often by those employed in manufacturing and by employees who perform their duties only on site.

Concerns about job loss

Over the next ten years, 81% of respondents do not fear losing their jobs to AI: 49% said they are not afraid, and 32% that they are rather not afraid. Concerns are held by 13% of respondents, while 6% gave no definite answer.

Those working in ICT, finance and insurance most often worry about losing their jobs. Greater confidence in keeping their position is typical of high earners, as well as employees in manufacturing, professional and scientific services, and health and care.