Frontline workers aren't asking companies to abandon artificial intelligence in hiring. They're asking them to stop pretending they're not using it, according to a Fountain survey.
In fact, one in four oppose AI in the hiring process. Nearly three in four say how a company explains its AI use directly shapes their trust. And over three-fifths of those who applied for jobs in the past year have been ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews.
“This survey confirms something we’ve long thought at Fountain. Frontline workers want respect and honesty. They know AI is part of the process. They're asking to be kept in the loop,” says Fountain CEO Sean Behr said. “Tell me where I stand. Tell me who decides. Follow through when you say you will. The industry spent years deploying AI and forgot those basics. Fountain was built around them. That hasn't changed.”
Key takeaways:
· When companies clearly explain how they use AI, nearly one-third of workers say they trust them more for it, with another four in 10 saying their trust would depend on what that AI is doing.
· Nearly half of respondents said knowing a human reviews final decisions would make them more comfortable with AI in hiring.
· 42% want the ability to request human interaction at any point in the process. Workers are most comfortable with AI handling specific tasks: scheduling interviews (40%), communication about roles (38%), or screening (29%).
· Among those who applied for jobs in the past year, the single biggest complaint was lack of communication or updates, cited by one in five.
· Ghosting rounds out the Top 3: 62% of frontline workers who applied for jobs in the past year reported being ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews. And, 32% percent never heard back at all during their most recent interview.
· When asked to name the biggest benefit of AI in frontline workforce management, 15% specifically name more consistent communication and updates. Another 22% point to faster hiring, and nearly one in four say reduced bias in decisions.
