Most EU workers now rely on digital tools and AI
Digital monitoring and algorithmic management are reshaping European workplaces, raising concerns over privacy, autonomy, and work intensity.
A new EU study finds that 90% of workers rely on digital tools, while nearly a third use AI-powered chatbots in their daily work. The JRC and European Commission surveyed over 70,000 workers across all EU Member States between 2024 and 2025.
The findings show that AI is most commonly used for writing and translation tasks, followed by data processing and image generation. Adoption rates are particularly high in Northern and Central Europe, especially in office-based sectors.
Alongside this digital transformation, workplace monitoring is becoming increasingly widespread, with 37% of EU workers reporting that their working hours are tracked and 36% that their entry and exit times are monitored.
Algorithmic management, where digital systems allocate tasks or assess performance automatically, now affects about a quarter of EU workers. The study also identifies a growing ‘platformisation’ trend, categorising employees based on their exposure to digital monitoring and algorithmic control.
Workers facing full or physical platformisation often report higher stress levels and reduced autonomy, while informational platformisation appears to have milder effects, particularly for remote workers.
Researchers urge EU policymakers to curb digital oversight risks while promoting fair and responsible innovation. The findings support EU initiatives like the Quality Jobs Roadmap and efforts to regulate algorithmic management.
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