Gen Z Workers Most Worried about AI Job Disruption, New Survey Reveals

As conversations around AI-driven disruption continue to dominate the workplace, new research from Careerminds reveals that many professionals are reconsidering their future career security, with Gen Z workers feeling the most pressure. 

Careerminds surveyed 600 U.S. professionals to explore how concerns about AI are influencing attitudes toward upskilling and future employability. 

Key findings: 

• One in three Gen Z workers (32.26%) say they are considering learning new skills because they are worried AI could replace their current role

• Almost one in five Gen Z workers (19.35%) are already actively upskilling due to fears around AI job disruption

• A quarter of U.S. workers (25%) admit they are not currently building new skills, despite feeling they probably should 

According to a survey of 600 U.S. professionals, one in three Gen Z workers (32.26%) say they are considering learning new skills specifically because they’re worried that AI could replace their current role. A further 19.35% say they are already actively upskilling in response to these AI concerns. 

Overall, more than one in nine U.S. workers (11.5%) say that they are already actively learning new skills because they fear AI could replace their current role, while a further fifth (19.83%) are considering doing so. 

This uncertainty remains widespread. A quarter of workers (25%) admit they are not currently building new skills, even though they feel they probably should, highlighting growing anxiety around how AI may impact future employability. 

Gen Z workers are feeling the pressure of AI the most 

The data revealed clear generational differences in how workers are responding to the rise in AI in the workplace, with younger professionals significantly more likely to feel the pressure to adapt.  

Gen Z workers were the most proactive generation when it comes to building new skills because of AI concerns, with almost one in five (19.35%) already actively learning new skills due to concerns about AI replacing their current role. This compares with 14.22% of Millennials, 9.13% of Gen X workers, and just 1.85% of Boomers. 

Gen Z workers were also the most likely to say they are considering learning new skills because of concerns about AI, with nearly a third (32.26%) agreeing. This also falls steadily across the older generations, dropping to 22.84% of Millennials, 15.48% of Gen X, and 12.96% of Boomers.  

Older workers, meanwhile, appear to be far less concerned overall. While nearly half of Gen X workers (49.21%) say they are not worried about AI replacing their jobs, fewer than three in ten Gen Z workers (29.03%) said the same. 

Uncertainty remains high among mid-career workers. More than a quarter of both Millennials (26.29%) and Gen X professionals (26.19%) admit they are currently not learning new skills but feel that they probably should. 

Overall, the research highlights that there is a growing trend suggesting that younger workers may feel more vulnerable to the increasing use of AI in the workplace.  

Women are more likely to proactively upskill due to AI concerns 

The research also revealed notable differences in how both men and women are responding to the rise in AI in the workplace. 

Women were found to be slightly more likely than men to say that they were already actively learning new skills due to fears around AI replacing their role, with 13.28% of women saying that they were proactively upskilling compared with 10.03% of men.  

Similarly, women were also more likely to say they are considering learning new skills because of AI concerns (21.77% vs. 18.24% of men). 

Men, however, were more likely to admit they are not currently upskilling despite feeling they probably should, with more than a quarter (27.66%) agreeing compared with 21.77% of women. 

According to Amanda Augustine, a certified professional career coach and resident career expert for Careerminds: 

“It’s no surprise that Gen Z workers are feeling the pressure from AI the most. They’re entering a job market that’s evolving incredibly quickly, and many are already worried about what that means for their long-term career stability. 

What stands out in this data is the difference between concern and action. Some workers are worried about AI changing their jobs, but others are already taking steps to adapt by learning new skills and staying competitive. In today’s market, upskilling isn’t just about career growth anymore; for many professionals, it’s becoming a form of job security. 

This also creates an important opportunity for employers. Companies that invest in training, internal mobility, and clear communication around how AI will impact roles are far more likely to maintain employee trust and retain talent during periods of change.” 

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Campaign methodology: This survey was conducted by Careerminds in April 2026, gathering insights from 600 full-time U.S. workers. Data recorded: April 2026 

Careerminds is a global workforce solutions provider specializing in outplacement, career transition, job architecture, and talent development. We combine modern technology with high-touch, one-to-one coaching to help organizations support employees through workforce change and growth. Our scalable delivery model enables consistent, personalized experiences across 80+ languages and major markets worldwide, offering a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional firms. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.