Women in Hong Kong fear AI threatens job security
Nearly half of female employees worry about automation more than men.
Nearly half of women in Hong Kong say they fear losing their jobs to AI, according to Ipsos’ latest Global Trends report. At 49%, this concern is 11 percentage points higher than among men.
Javier Calvar, Head of Customer & Employee Experience at Ipsos, cited multiple reasons behind the heightened concern. “Women are often concentrated in roles more susceptible to automation, such as administration, customer services and such like,” he said.
He also pointed to a “confidence gap,” noting that “women may underestimate their performance in their roles and their ability to learn new AI-related skills, even though their actual performance may suggest otherwise.” Calvar added that “concerns about having to balance work and family responsibilities may heighten job security anxieties among women.”
To ease these concerns, Calvar urged companies to act. “One is transparent communication—being open about the impact that AI might have on certain roles, proactively addressing concerns, anxieties, and really communicating the company's vision for the future,” he said.
Inclusion in AI implementation teams, targeted upskilling, mentorship, and a supportive work environment were among other key actions. “Offer a skills assessment and tailor training programs alongside mentorship,” Calvar advised. He added that showcasing “women in senior roles” can help demonstrate that “women can have both their family responsibilities and a future in the workplace.”
AI also has the potential to narrow the gender gap if used responsibly. “AI can be used to screen CVs and job applications masking gender,” Calvar said. “AI can also be used to analyse performance data and identify biases in performance evaluations and promotions.”
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