AI and Worker Well-Being: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Study

Alex Bryson (), Antti Kauhanen () and Petri Rouvinen ()
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Alex Bryson: University College London
Antti Kauhanen: ETLA
Petri Rouvinen: ETLA

No 18540, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: Utilizing nationally representative cross-sectional and longitudinal data from Finland (2018-2023), we provide a population-level assessment of the relationship between AI and worker well-being. Contrary to international evidence suggesting a positive or an inverted U-shaped relationship, we find no systematic association between AI use intensity and job satisfaction. However, we do find that work engagement is higher among employees who are personally involved with AI, with the strongest association among intensive users for whom AI is an essential part of their work. Furthermore, technology-replacement fears have remained stable despite rapid AI advancement and do not predict subsequent labour market transitions. An interpretation is that Finland's high-trust institutional environment and robust social safety nets may effectively moderate the disruptive psychological and economic shocks typically associated with rapid technological change.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; job satisfaction; work engagement; technology-related fears; labour market transitions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J28 L23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ain, nep-hrm, nep-lma and nep-ltv
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