Younger workers apparently want their bosses to start behaving more like AI

Nearly two-thirds of younger workers, aged 18-28, who frequently use AI tools, desire their bosses to provide more detailed and specific instructions, according to a survey by Use.AI. This cohort also struggles with explaining their work when aided by AI. The findings suggest a potential challenge for managers, who must now give clear, step-by-step guidance similar to what they might give to an AI chatbot.

The research, which polled 11,742 adults across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and Latin America, also revealed that 41% of workers aged 40 and older want more detail about their tasks from their managers. The survey suggests that this demand for clear instructions could stem from a need for more experience in making decisions among the younger workers, or even a fear of being replaced by AI.

Interestingly, a significant portion of the 18-28 age group, 44%, has had difficulties explaining work completed with AI assistance. This raises a question about whether employees fully understand the objectives of their tasks. Additionally, 57% of younger AI users feel less motivated to memorize information that can be easily accessed through AI, and 53% are frustrated by routine tasks that could be completed by a chatbot.

These factors indicate a significant shift in the workplace dynamic, with managers needing to provide clearer guidance about whether the focus should be on outcomes or the development of employees' problem-solving skills.