Tech professionals' biggest fear about AI: more work, same pay

What happened?

A survey conducted by ZDNet of 6,000 technology professionals revealed that the most widespread fear is not job loss (as commonly thought), but an increase in workload without a corresponding salary increase. Workers fear that AI will automate repetitive tasks, but that companies will not share the benefits of increased productivity, instead demanding more output for the same labor cost. This finding comes in a context where generative AI, such as ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot, has been massively adopted in tech companies since 2023. According to the report, 68% of respondents said their workload has increased since the implementation of AI tools, while only 22% reported a salary increase. Additionally, 57% indicated that their company has not established clear policies on AI use and compensation. The survey, conducted between January and March 2025, included software engineers, data scientists, system administrators, and other technical roles in medium to large companies in the United States and Europe.

Why is it important?

This finding contrasts with the predominant discourse on AI and employment, which focuses on job replacement. The reality is that tech professionals are already experiencing growing pressure to adapt to new tools without fair compensation. The survey also notes that 71% of respondents would not recommend their own role to someone starting their career, suggesting widespread dissatisfaction with working conditions in the tech sector. This data is especially relevant compared to previous studies: in 2022, only 45% of tech professionals were reluctant to recommend their position, indicating a significant deterioration in job perception. Furthermore, 34% of respondents said they are actively looking for a new job, citing lack of compensation for increased productivity as the main reason. This discontent could have long-term implications for talent attraction in a sector already facing a shortage of key skills. The survey also revealed that younger workers (under 30) are the most affected: 82% reported an increase in workload, compared to 54% of those over 50.

Consequences for companies and workers

For companies, ignoring this discontent can lead to demotivation, talent turnover, and long-term productivity loss. A 2024 Gartner study already warned that organizations that do not adjust compensation when implementing AI could see a 25% increase in technical staff turnover within two years. For workers, it is crucial to negotiate clear conditions on how AI will impact their responsibilities and remuneration. IT leaders must balance AI adoption with policies that recognize extra effort, such as productivity bonuses or reduced hours. Some pioneering companies, like tech consultancy Thoughtworks, have already implemented profit-sharing models linked to efficiency gains from AI. However, the survey shows that only 12% of companies have adopted similar measures. The impact on the labor market could be profound: if the trend continues, we could see a migration of talent towards startups or freelance roles where compensation is more tied to performance. Additionally, 45% of respondents said they would be willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a more predictable workload, suggesting that well-being is overtaking income as a priority.

What should readers know?

• AI not only threatens to replace jobs, but also to intensify work without compensation. According to the survey, 63% of tech professionals report that they now perform more tasks in the same time due to AI, but without a proportional salary increase.
• Tech professionals should advocate for transparency in productivity metrics and review their contracts. It is advisable to include clauses linking the use of AI tools with periodic salary reviews.
• Companies that do not adjust salaries or workloads could face a brain drain. 40% of respondents said they would leave their job within the next six months if there are no changes.
• The survey reflects a shift in priorities: from job security to quality of work life. This phenomenon has been observed before in the adoption of other technologies, such as robotic automation in manufacturing in the 1980s, which also generated wage tensions before unions negotiated improvements.

"Tech professionals fear that AI will turn them into 'do-more machines' without adequate financial recognition," states the ZDNet report. This quote summarizes the sentiment of a workforce that, while valuing the efficiency AI brings, demands a more equitable distribution of benefits. The ZDNet survey is a wake-up call for companies and workers to redefine the labor contract in the age of artificial intelligence.