Employers under pressure: AI competence required-who leads the list?

Employers under pressure: AI competence required-who leads the list?

Linz, Österreich - The annual Randstad labor market study deals intensively this year with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and their effects on the employees. In the context of the new EU AI-Act, which has been in force since February 2, 2025, the need for employees have sufficient AI skills. According to the study, 60% of the respondents see “small” or “no” effects of AI on their work, while 24% expect a “significant” influence. Only 4% of employees fear losing their jobs through AI.

The use of AI varies greatly among the employees. So 47% of the AI ​​surveyed never use, while 26% only use them "every now and then" and 13% "regularly" or "daily". Interestingly, there are hardly any differences in the use of AI between workers: inside (11%) and employees (14%). A particularly large proportion of AI users can be found in the IT and digital industry, where 33% of the employees use corresponding technologies.

demand for AI competencies

The study also illustrates the age differences in AI acceptance. While only 26% of Babyboomer use AI, the gene Z is already 49%, 44% for millennials and for generation x 33%. In order to accompany this change, companies have to invest more in the AI ​​competencies of their employees. An alarming result of the study is that 22% of employees consider their termination due to the lack of learning and development opportunities.

The company has the responsibility to secure the AI ​​competence of their employees. From February 2025, Article 4 of the EU Ordinance for Artificial Intelligence (KI-VO) will come into force. This obliges employers to ensure that their employees have skills, knowledge and understanding of dealing with AI systems. Providers and operators of AI systems are obliged to hire appropriately trained personnel.

effects on the labor market

The obligation to ensure AI competence applies regardless of the size of the company. Employers must take measures that meet the respective resources and technological possibilities of their companies. It is your responsibility to develop a concept that, despite the inaccurate definition of a "sufficient measure" of AI competence, guarantees the training of employees. The scope of the training depends on the industry, the area of ​​application of the AI ​​systems and the technical knowledge of the employees.

As the Randstad report shows, the most attractive employer in Austria is 2025 AVL List, followed by Siemens and the Kepler University Hospital. Five companies have risen in the top ten, including Verbund AG, Kages and Siemens Energy. The religious clinic Linz, BMW Austria and VAMED have also positioned themselves in the top ten.

The regulation of high-riska AI systems, which are comprised by the EU AI act, is considered essential. These systems, which represent potential dangers for health, security or fundamental rights, must be assessed in advance, and citizens have the right to submit complaints to national authorities. A profound understanding of these regulations is crucial for companies in order to minimize liability risks and obtain legal security.