Overcoming Barriers: The Challenge of AI Adoption in the Workforce

Darya Stanskova works in the construction sector on infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and urban development. She specializes in AI-assisted cost estimation, process automation, and employee training, with a focus on supporting staff during digital transformation.

  Artificial Intelligence   Construction  

When I first saw how an AI-based system automatically generated a report on equipment repairs, I wasn’t surprised, I was anxious. Not for myself, but for my colleagues—especially those who had worked manually for 30 years, relying not on algorithms, but on experience. We were introducing new technologies into an old infrastructure, and it seemed that this wasn’t just a software upgrade; it was a profound cultural shift within the company.

In the energy and construction industries, where I’ve worked for 10 years, automation is no longer a distant prospect but a current reality. However, in this reality, something was missing: people. Particularly, older, more experienced specialists. We expected full engagement from them. But instead, we encountered resistance, anxiety, and silent alienation.

Challenges in the Initial Phase: Fear and Disappointment
When we first implemented automated systems, the greatest difficulty lay in the perception of the novelty. People were scared because they didn’t know exactly what they were supposed to do with the new technologies. It wasn’t just a software update; it was a cultural transformation.

Many employees, especially older ones, felt anxiety because automation was seen as a threat to their usual work. The fear was amplified by the fact that no one could clearly explain how the technologies would …

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