BERLIN — A new poll reveals that one in three German workers fears losing their job to artificial intelligence (AI) in the coming years, reflecting growing anxiety about automation’s impact on the workforce. The survey, released on Saturday, August 23, 2025, by Reuters, also found that more than a quarter of German companies 27% anticipate job losses due to AI within the next five years, based on an earlier study conducted in June by the Ifo Institute.
The findings highlight concerns in Germany, Europe’s largest economy, where AI adoption is accelerating across industries like manufacturing and logistics. “Workers are increasingly aware of AI’s potential to disrupt traditional roles,” said Ifo researcher Laura Nurski, per Reuters. The poll, surveying 2,000 workers, showed 33% fear job displacement, particularly in administrative and manual labor roles, with 45% of factory workers expressing concern. Meanwhile, the earlier Ifo survey of 9,000 firms noted that 27% expect staff reductions by 2030 due to AI efficiencies.
Key insights from the surveys include:
- Vulnerable Sectors: Manufacturing and clerical jobs face the highest AI risk.
- Upskilling Needs: Only 15% of workers feel prepared for AI-driven changes.
- Economic Impact: AI could boost productivity but widen inequality, per Ifo.
Posts on X, like those from @ReutersBiz, reflect similar unease, with some users noting Germany’s strong labor protections may slow AI’s impact. However, firms like Siemens, which cut 4,000 jobs in 2024, are already integrating AI, per Bloomberg. The government is responding with a €500 million fund for retraining, but critics argue it’s insufficient. As AI reshapes Germany’s workforce, the polls underscore the need for proactive policies to balance innovation and job security.
Source: Reuters
