Artificial intelligence and autonomy at work: empirical insights from Germany

Oliver Giering () and Stefan Kirchner ()
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Oliver Giering: Technical University of Berlin
Stefan Kirchner: Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg

Journal for Labour Market Research, 2025, vol. 59, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prominent topic regarding the digitalisation of work and its diffusion is expected to radically change job quality. Overall, there exists a large discrepancy between discursive expectations and quantitative empirical evidence. In this article, we use a novel module from the German Socio-Economic Panel to examine the overall prevalence of AI at work, the determinants that increase the likelihood of AI use, and its association with autonomy. The results show that 38% of German workers use AI, and AI use is associated with the use of specific digital technologies. Workers in high-level, non-routine occupations are more likely to use AI, particularly in comparison to manual workers. Moreover, the association between AI and autonomy is merely superficial and cannot be properly evaluated without considering workplace preconditions.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Digital technology; Autonomy; Work; Job quality; Occupations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J00 J24 O3 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1186/s12651-025-00401-5

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