AI Barometer 2025: impact on work and workforce

AI is transforming work at lightning speed: 61% of Dutch people feel the impact, 42% fear job loss. How do we prepare?

In brief:

• Only 24% are satisfied with the AI-training opportunities offered by employers.

• 42% of employees are concerned about the consequences of AI, especially potential job loss.

• 61% of respondents expect AI to impact their working lives, an increase of 11% compared to last year.

AI is no longer a trend, but a reality. In a growing number of European organizations, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday operations. Employees are discovering the power of AI tools in their workflows, while questions arise about it’s implications. What does this mean for their roles, skills, and future?

Over the past twelve months, both management and employees have become more positive about AI. At the same time, the number of AI users in the workforce is increasing. While in 2024 one in two employees expected AI to impact their work, this figure has now risen to 61%. This is revealed by EY’s European AI Barometer 2025, a survey of 4,929 employees across 23 sectors in nine European countries.

Growing use and growing concerns

AI developments also raise concerns among employees. The number of workers who fear that organizations will need fewer people due to AI has increased by six percentage points. Four in ten respondents worry about this prospect—partly because many feel that employer-provided AI education is lacking.

Trust in AI has slightly increased in the Netherlands. When asked, “How likely is it that parts of your job will be performed by AI programs and applications?” the Netherlands ranked third in Europe in 2024, but has dropped to fifth this year. 56% of respondents say it’s likely, but will take time. Another 23% believe it’s unlikely, and 8% think it will never happen.

AI is rapidly becoming a fixed part of European employees’ daily lives—not only at work but also in their personal lives. Trust in the technology is growing: seven in ten employees now have a positive view of AI, with Switzerland (76%) and Spain (75%) leading the way. Optimism is not universal, however—Austria (64%) and France (66%) remain more cautious.

Currently, 78% of respondents use AI applications—an increase of six percentage points compared to last year. The level of restrictions on AI use varies. One-third of respondents can use AI tools without limitations in their daily work. A slightly higher percentage (35%) can use them only to a limited extent. The most commonly used tools are text generation tools (61%) and voice assistants and chatbots (both 39%).

Behind these numbers lies an important story: usage is growing faster than the guidance provided to help people through this transition. Belief in AI’s impact on work is strongest in the Netherlands (71%) and Italy (68%). While 58% of European employees say they are not worried, 42% are—often because they already see AI taking over tasks. Nearly two-thirds (65%) view AI as something that will affect their work in the short term. The fear of job loss has increased: from 68% in 2024 to 74% in 2025.

Discrepancy between ambition and realityMany employees now realize that future success without AI knowledge is unlikely. More than half (57%) are actively working to improve their skills—a 20 percentage point increase. Italy and Spain (both 64%) lead the way, while Portugal (47%) and Austria (48%) lag behind.

Here lies a bottleneck: the willingness to learn is there, but support is lacking. Less than a quarter (24%) of employees are satisfied with internal training offerings. Notably, there’s a contrast with management’s perception: 53% of managers believe employees do receive sufficient training. The gap between the shop floor and leadership appears significant.

This difference in perception may hinder AI skill development and undermine employees’ need for proper guidance.

From fear to action: what is possible?

Despite concerns, a significant portion of employees see AI as enriching: 43% say they are more productive thanks to AI. Men (48%) experience this more than women (39%), and managers (56%) more than non-managers (35%).

How can employers and employees harness AI’s potential with the right support?

Without a clear strategy, many companies lose their grip. In such cases, external guidance can help bring structure, make the right choices, and effectively engage employees. More importantly, organizations must create an environment where experimenting with AI is encouraged—not punished. Learning by doing, including making mistakes, is crucial to truly integrating AI into daily work.