Why Gen Z Is Giving AI the Cold Shoulder

AI is being heralded as the workplace equivalent of apple cider vinegar…a cure all for every organisational ailment under the sun. But not everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon.

While the tech bros and the fortune 500s are throwing AI everywhere it will stick, some people, specifically those in Gen C, are sitting back - arms folded, eyebrows raised.

This goes beyond gut feeling. A Monday.com study showed real numbers behind the divide. About half of Millennials welcome AI with open arms, and 80% say it makes work easier. Gen Z feels differently. Nearly half worry AI will steal the parts of work they actually enjoy, and one in three fear losing their jobs altogether.

Digital natives who set boundaries

Gen Z grew up with technology from day one. But unlike Millennials who grab every new tech tool, Gen Z thinks twice. They've seen how technology cuts both ways their whole lives. Now they want real answers about what AI means for their future.

Starting careers in shaky times

For Gen Z, AI shows up right as they begin working. Not great timing. They're starting jobs in a world already changed by robots, gig work, and constant skill updates. AI threatens to shake things up even more, just as they get their foot in the door.

Older workers have years of experience and knowledge to fall back on. Gen Z hasn't built that yet. They worry about competing not just with other young workers but with smart algorithms that get better every day.

And their fears are valid. This isn't some far-off problem. It's happening now. Studies suggest about 70% of current entry-level tasks can be automated. When companies aren't thoughtful about this shift, Gen Z can see what's coming. If their entire job consists of things AI can do faster and cheaper, they know they'll be the first ones replaced.

The issue isn't technical skill

Don't think Gen Z fears the technology itself. These kids had smartphones before they could tie their shoes. Using new tech isn't the problem.

They worry about deeper issues. When companies talk excitedly about AI efficiency, Gen Z wonders if human creativity still matters. They question whether adapting to AI will lead to jobs they actually want.

Building better workplaces for the AI era

Smart companies listen to Gen Z concerns instead of dismissing them. Here are five things forward-thinking leaders are doing to keep Gen Z from quitting:

1. Stop creating jobs that AI will make obsolete. Instead, design junior roles that use AI as a tool rather than competing against it.

2. Make AI literacy a priority. If your young staff don't know how to use these tools strategically, they'll fall behind. Provide training that goes beyond basic functions to show how AI fits into larger business goals.

3. Highlight uniquely human skills. The advantage humans have is in critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership. These are exactly the areas companies should help Gen Z develop.

4. Redesign roles now, not later. Don't wait for disruption to force your hand. Map out what AI can handle and where you need human judgment and creativity.

5. Teach everyone about data privacy and security. The biggest AI danger isn't bad technology but poor implementation. Make sure all staff understand the risks, not just IT.

   
   

People still matter

Companies getting this right understand something important. Tomorrow's workplace needs both clever machines and human judgment. The skills that matter most will still be thinking clearly, understanding emotions, and making ethical choices. Humans do these things best.

Good AI handles the number-crunching so people can focus on creativity and relationships. This approach helps everyone, not just workers.

Instead of forcing AI on everyone, smart companies build teams where different generations teach each other. Experienced staff help Gen Z understand how businesses really work. Gen Z brings fresh ideas about using technology in ways that actually help people.

This is the moment to actively shape how AI fits into your business. Because if you're not designing the future of work, someone else will design it for you.

What is your company doing about the AI generation gap? Companies that figure this out won't just keep young talent. They'll build stronger teams ready for whatever happens next.

Want to bridge the AI knowledge gap? Check out our AI Literacy Training. Facilitated by Ethical AI Strategist & Founder, AI Her Way. Senior Fellow, AI for Developing Countries Forum or join the AI for Impact Hub for expert-led training, hands-on resources, and a community dedicated to ethical, high-impact AI adoption.