70% of UK workers prefer the human touch to AI when looking for a job

New data suggests even Gen Z overwhelmingly rates the human input as fundamental



Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and is already impacting the world of work in more ways than one, yet new data suggests fewer-than-expected workers in the UK prefer to interact with AI over people when looking for a job. A limited number also believe that their role will change as a result of Artificial Intelligence this year. That’s according to the latest Candidate Sentiment Survey from specialist recruitment firm, Robert Half.



The data revealed that overall 70% of UK workers prefer the human touch to AI when looking for a job with more than a third (36%) of the UK population choosing to deal only with humans rather than AI. A further 34% stated that they are happy for AI to be part of the process, but still feel that people need to be a fundamental part of their experience.



Given their digital exposure it’s perhaps unsurprising to note that fewer 18-34 year olds wanted to deal only with humans (25% versus 40% of those aged 35-54 and 49% of the over 55’s). However, almost half of the younger demographic (43%) want person-to-person interaction to remain a critical component of recruitment.



A further 35% of UK workers stated that AI hasn’t yet impacted their role and don’t believe it will this year. Just 9% of employees believe that this technology will reshape their role by reducing administration, while only 3% stated that AI is going to completely change how they work in 2024.



Kris Harris, Regional Director, UK Technology Solutions, at Robert Half commented:



“AI holds the potential to greatly enable process optimisation and automation, yet in many areas the human subjective reasoning is and will remain fundamental. And it is not surprising that an overwhelming proportion of the UK workforce still views the experience of looking for a job as deeply human.



“Finding purpose and fulfilment with meaningful work, whilst feeling connected and empowered is one way to describe the new world of work. Individuals no longer simply perceive their workplace as a means of earning a living, but as an environment of shared values, beliefs and purpose. This makes job-seeking and career-building a subjective and personal experience, which cannot solely rely on AI.



“Although emerging generations are certainly more adept at utilising technological developments, they still have a desire to connect with – and learn from – people, and that’s unlikely to ever disappear.”



Ends



Press contact

Vickie Collinge

vickie@bluesky-pr.com

01582 790 705



Notes to editor

About Robert Half

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialised talent solutions consultancy, working to fill professional services roles at all levels within the finance and accounting, banking, technology, HR, marketing and legal sectors. The company has more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offers hiring and job search services at www.roberthalf.co.uk Robert Half understands that it takes time and effort to evaluate the best talent strategy for different businesses. For further independent advice to assist with your recruitment and workforce planning efforts, visit www.roberthalf.co.uk/advice.