The biggest ethical concern in the workplace is the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, according to new research.

The Institute of Business Ethics finds worries about new technologies occupy the top two slots of concerns in a survey of 12,000 employees around the world.

The survey found that 48% of those polled saw the misuse of AI for unethical behaviour, such as discrimination or breaches of privacy, as their big issue.

A further 46% said automation and AI replacing people at work was their major concern. Discrimination or bias in the workplace came in as the third largest fear with 41%.

The IBE’s report says: “The top-ranking concerns reported in this survey illustrate that a high proportion of employees across all types of organisations, geographies, functions and job roles are aware of the challenges around AI.

“It suggests that AI is already a whole-company issue that raises some degree of worry or concern in the working environment.”

Fears of replacement are not without reason. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 says that AI and other information systems, as well as robotics and automation, are the two biggest drivers of business transformation over the next five years.

Number crunch

The WEF estimates current trends, among them AI and automation, will create an extra 170 million jobs

By 2030, though, the total will be offset by the loss of around 92 million jobs, owing to the same developments. The net increase will amount to a 7% rise in job numbers or 78 million.

The IBE survey is not the first to reveal fears about AI being misused. News headlines about “deepfakes” and biased data inputs have all contributed to a general sense that AI presents many risks, as well as opportunities.

A UK government report, published in December, revealed that despite “near universal” awareness of AI, “public perceptions are dominated by concerns”.

“Despite improved awareness, the public’s association with AI remains dominated by negative concepts, reflecting fears and concerns, though younger individuals tend to have more positive perceptions.”

Amid all that have been calls to strengthen AI governance, with CEOs taking the lead, and improvements in boardroom skills.

Compounding the difficulties uncovered by IBE are poll findings suggesting fewer than a third of (30%) employees are aware of dedicated AI guidelines or standards inside their organisations, compared with 71% who know of “written standards” for ethical business conduct.

The IBE report says: “With high levels of employee concern, a significant risk is an erosion of trust.

“Successful organisations will be those that navigate these challenges and embrace change responsibly.”

The report adds: “The rewards for getting this right could be significant—particularly given high levels of interest from investors and regulators in technologies like AI.”