Work

Digital Skills and Employer Transparency: Two Key Drivers Reinforcing Positive AI Attitudes and Perception Among Europeans

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using 2024 Eurobarometer survey data from 26,415 workers in 27 EU countries, this study examines how digital skills and employer transparency shape workers’ attitudes toward and perception of artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing on information systems and behavioral theories, regression analyses reveal that digital skills strongly predict augmentation-dominant attitude. Workers with higher digital skills view AI as complementary rather than threatening, with an augmentation attitude mediating 56% of the skills–perception relationship. Adjacently, employer transparency attenuates the translation of replacement attitude into a negative perception of AI in the workplace. Organizations and policymakers should prioritize digital upskilling and ensure workplace AI transparency requirements to foster a positive attitude and perception, recognizing that skills development and organizational communication are equally vital for the successful integration of AI in the workplace.

Source: Informatics

DOI: 10.3390/informatics13010017

Authors: Dharan Bharti, Cristian Balducci, Salvatore Zappalà

Institutions: University of Bologna, University of Chieti-Pescara

Language: English

Topic: AI and HR Technologies

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172