In cafes, dining halls, and meeting rooms around the world, a common refrain follows every joke or comment: “We’ll be here at least until AI takes our jobs,” or “Let’s see if AI hurries up so I can leave here soon.” These phrases, though humorous, reflect a real concern: the idea that artificial intelligence will lead to job cuts, especially among office workers. A study by EY in Europe reveals that 42% of employees fear that AI will jeopardize their positions. This data adds to other reports highlighting the so-called “AI anxiety,” the fear of being replaced by technology. The context does not help: in just over a month, companies like Amazon (14,000 layoffs, 1,200 in Spain), HP (between 4,000 and 6,000), Verizon (13,000), and Telefónica (6,000) have announced cuts, partly related to the rise of AI and regulatory changes. However, within the business and technology sectors, two perspectives coexist. On one hand, there are those who see layoffs as inevitable and anticipate an increase in job anxiety; on the other, there are those who believe that AI can be an ally and an opportunity for professional growth. Sara Álvarez, talent director at the Adecco Group, explains that her view has evolved: “We used to think that AI would eliminate many jobs, but now we see it as a collaborative tool that saves time, generates efficiency, and adds value.” The global Adecco report supports this perspective: in Spain, 82% of workers believe that AI is creating more jobs, compared to 22% who fear being displaced. María Manso, partner of People Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at EY, acknowledges the uncertainty but clarifies that the transformation of jobs is not yet massive. “There is not a rapid transition happening; the same teams are overseeing the new processes,” she states. Esade professor Esteve Almirall, author of “What to Do When Everything Changes,” highlights that the adoption of technology varies by country culture. “In Asia, change is embraced pragmatically; in Europe, more cautiously,” he notes. Almirall warns that AI will reduce staff and slow the creation of new jobs, as demonstrated by Amazon, which seeks to double sales without increasing its workforce. “AI is inevitable, just like the internet or the smartphone. Only those who adapt will survive,” he concludes. But what does it really mean to adopt AI, and how can it be done without generating fear? In Spain, according to Microsoft, it is the sixth country in the world in user-level AI adoption, although companies are progressing more slowly. According to the INE, 21.4% of companies use AI, a figure that rises to 58.24% in large companies and drops to 17.89% in SMEs. Interestingly, only 17.9% of workers claim to use AI in their jobs, with a generational gap: 30.7% of young people aged 25 to 33 use it, compared to 10.1% of those over 55. Justo Hidalgo, AI director at Adigital, emphasizes that the challenges vary by company size and that resistance to change is common, even in tech sectors. “Integrating AI requires transformations at all levels,” he states. TRAINING AND TRANSPARENCY All experts agree that training and transparency are key to successful AI adoption, especially in an environment where trained professionals are scarce. “We are not looking for AI experts outside the tech sector, but for people with the capacity to learn,” explains Sara Álvarez. She adds that training in AI boosts employees' self-esteem, making them feel more autonomous. Hidalgo proposes three stages for AI integration: first, improve individual productivity by teaching how to use chatbots; then, automate group processes; and finally, tackle more advanced developments. “Integrating these principles from the start builds internal and external trust,” he emphasizes. María Cabeza, director of Companies at Adams, points out that training should be practical and tailored to the real needs of each position. “The more training and support, the greater the confidence. If you are not trained in what everyone is talking about, you feel replaceable,” she warns. Manso from EY alerts to the gap that may arise between those who receive AI training and those who do not, as the former tend to be more productive. Each company, she says, must define its own strategy, from gradual adoption to more ambitious integration. The key, according to experts, is that AI is used to generate value, not just efficiency. Reskilling programs and continuous training are essential, as technology is constantly evolving. Cabeza summarizes the general sentiment: “In the most transparent companies, the work environment is better.” The future will reveal the recipe for coexisting with AI in the workplace, in a revolution that is just beginning. As Almirall warns, this is only the first wave: autonomous mobility and robotics are advancing even faster than expected.