One-third of South Carolina workers fear AI replacement, lack employer protection
Nearly a third of South Carolina workers say they fear being replaced by AI, and most have no confidence their employers will protect them from that outcome, according to a survey of over 3,000 workers nationwide by Careerminds, an HR services provider.
The data reveals a workforce anxious about AI's role in hiring, promotions, scheduling, and performance evaluations. Sixty-four percent of respondents suspect AI has already influenced decisions about their jobs.
What workers want from employers and government
South Carolina workers overwhelmingly support federal protections. Seventy-one percent say the U.S. should introduce a law protecting employees from AI-driven replacement - the fourth-lowest percentage among states surveyed, suggesting stronger demand for protections elsewhere.
Amanda Augustine, a career expert at Careerminds, said workers understand AI will expand in the workplace. "What they really want is clarity about how it's being used, some guardrails around the decisions that affect their careers, and a fair chance to retrain if their role starts to change," she said.
Top workplace AI concerns
- 32% fear being quietly replaced by AI
- 30% worry about AI monitoring their work minute-by-minute
- 28% believe replacement is very likely within five years
- 26% worry AI could unfairly screen out their job applications
- 12% are concerned about AI in performance reviews
What an "AI Worker Bill of Rights" should include
If federal protections were enacted, workers prioritize these safeguards:
- Human review of all major decisions - 40%
- Transparency about AI use - 30%
- Limits on AI surveillance - 10%
- Guaranteed retraining options - 10%
- Guaranteed compensation or notice before AI-driven replacement - 10%
HR professionals managing these concerns may benefit from understanding how AI functions in workforce decisions. Resources on AI for Human Resources and AI Learning Path for CHROs can help leaders develop transparent policies and address employee anxieties about automation.
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