Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and the world of work is no exception. From automating repetitive tasks to boosting productivity and enhancing decision-making, AI is reshaping the workplace. However, this transformation also brings challenges, both in how employees perceive AI and, in the regulations, needed to protect their rights.
Over the past year, employees in Spain have become less concerned about AI taking their jobs. This shift is largely due to increased familiarity with AI tools and their integration into daily work, which has made many see AI more as a helpful tool than a threat. The benefits of AI are becoming increasingly clear, with many employees reporting improvements in productivity and work pace. Those who embrace AI are finding that it helps them perform tasks more efficiently and with greater precision compared to those who don’t use the technology.
AI brings a range of benefits, including boosting productivity by automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex and creative work. It also improves decision-making by processing large amounts of data quickly and accurately, which enhances processes like recruitment, performance reviews, and customer service. AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants are also transforming customer service, providing quick, personalised responses that increase customer satisfaction while reducing the burden on employees.
However, there are challenges as well. While AI offers many advantages, it can also lead to job displacement. It’s estimated that AI could displace around 92 million jobs by 2030, but at the same time, 170 million new roles related to technology will be created. This shift in job roles might create uncertainty, especially for employees in routine, manual tasks. Additionally, the use of AI in hiring, performance evaluations, and decision-making processes can lead to discrimination if the algorithms aren’t carefully managed. Without proper human oversight, biases in training data can perpetuate unfair patterns, affecting equality in the workplace. Furthermore, AI has made it easier for companies to monitor employee performance and behaviour, which can result in a more controlled and pressured work environment. Around 16% of employees feel that AI has increased pressure from their supervisors, which could impact their well-being and job satisfaction.
As AI becomes more prevalent, there is growing debate about the need for clear regulations to ensure ethical use and protect employees’ rights. The EU Regulation 2024/1689 provides a legal framework that governs AI use, particularly in the workplace, by setting strict guidelines for high-risk AI systems—those that could affect employees’ rights, safety, and privacy. The regulation defines AI applications in areas such as recruitment, performance reviews, promotions, and terminations as “high-risk” and imposes stricter rules on their use to prevent discrimination, manipulation, and privacy violations. Companies using high-risk AI must ensure human oversight, validate the data used, and provide training to employees on how to use the technology responsibly. They must also inform employee representatives about the AI systems in place and how they may impact working conditions.
In Spain, the government has also taken steps to regulate AI in the workplace. Under the “Rider Law” (Law 12/2021), companies are required to inform employees’ representatives about how AI algorithms work, especially regarding decisions that affect employment conditions, recruitment, and performance evaluations. This ensures that employees are aware of how AI is being used and how it might impact their jobs.
Despite the progress made with AI regulation, there are still significant ethical challenges. One of the main risks is the potential for algorithmic discrimination in recruitment, performance reviews, and promotions. While AI systems are designed to be impartial, human biases in training data can lead to biased decisions, which makes regular audits and impact assessments crucial to ensure fairness and transparency. Privacy is another major issue. AI-powered monitoring tools often gather sensitive data, which, if mishandled, could violate employees’ fundamental rights. This is where regulation plays a critical role—not just in setting the framework for legal compliance, but in ensuring that technology and human rights can coexist in a balanced way.
AI is undoubtedly transforming the workplace, but its integration must be handled with care and responsibility. European and national regulations are essential to ensure AI is used ethically and that employees’ rights are protected. As AI continues to evolve, companies, employees, and legislators must work together to create a fair, inclusive, and secure future for all. By adopting clear policies, providing training, and ensuring proper oversight, companies can ensure that AI benefits both the organisation and its employees. With the right regulations in place, AI has the potential to make work more efficient, more equitable, and ultimately, more human.
