A new study by researchers at Washington State University finds that employees who fear the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) are more likely to neglect work tasks, engage in counterproductive behaviors, or violate workplace norms. The research examined 18 industries and its results were published in the journal Occupational Health Science.
Which sectors are most exposed?
The authors used an AI Industry Exposure index to determine in which sectors AI is most likely to displace human labor. The analysis shows that workers in the financial and insurance sector are the most affected, while those in agriculture and forestry face the lowest risk.
Why does fearing the profession matter?
The study focused on what happens when employees fear not just their individual job, but their entire occupation. Lead author Tahira M. Probst pointed out that losing a position in some roles (for example, a barista) may be easier to replace with similar work elsewhere, whereas tasks performed by medical coders or data entry clerks can be largely automated, so job loss may imply the effective disappearance of the profession for those workers.
Characteristics of the behavior change
Employees worried about the future of their occupation showed greater propensity for moral disengagement — a psychological process that makes it easier to justify undesirable actions to oneself. In practice, this appeared as:
- increased personal internet use during work hours,
- more lateness and absences,
- cutting corners on tasks or acts that amount to workplace sabotage.
The study also found that the more exposed an industry is to AI-driven transformation, the stronger these patterns. The effect was especially pronounced in financial and insurance firms, while construction and forestry showed minimal signs of the same behaviors.
Consequences and recommendations for employers
The researchers note that counterproductive behaviors harm not only individuals but entire organizations: absences and disengagement shift workload onto colleagues, and resource waste undermines operational efficiency. They recommend that employers pay careful attention to how they communicate about AI implementation and what support they offer employees during transitions, in order to prevent a negative spiral driven by moral disengagement.
Closing note
The study highlights that fears around AI can have measurable workplace effects at organizational level, particularly in industries undergoing rapid technological change. Targeted communication and supportive measures from employers can help mitigate these risks.
Note: an AI assistant contributed to the preparation of this article; the final content was edited and verified by our journalist.
