Abstract
The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace raises questions about changes in employees’ competence profiles and patterns of AI use. This study examines these changes using a comparative approach based on two waves of survey data collected in Poland at the turn of 2024/2025 (N = 288) and 2025/2026 (N = 308). The same research instrument was applied in both waves, providing direct comparison over time. The results show an increase in the use of AI tools in professional work, while limited differences in declared competence levels were observed between the two waves. Additional analyses reveal that the relationship between competencies and AI use varies across different areas, and that distinct user profiles can be identified based on the combination of competence levels and AI usage patterns. The findings suggest that changes related to AI adoption follow a gradual and adaptive pattern rather than a disruptive one. The study contributes by providing a short-term comparative perspective on competence development in AI-supported work environments.
Paper Type
Full Paper
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2026.189
AI in the Workplace and Changing Competence Profiles: A Comparative Study in Poland
The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace raises questions about changes in employees’ competence profiles and patterns of AI use. This study examines these changes using a comparative approach based on two waves of survey data collected in Poland at the turn of 2024/2025 (N = 288) and 2025/2026 (N = 308). The same research instrument was applied in both waves, providing direct comparison over time. The results show an increase in the use of AI tools in professional work, while limited differences in declared competence levels were observed between the two waves. Additional analyses reveal that the relationship between competencies and AI use varies across different areas, and that distinct user profiles can be identified based on the combination of competence levels and AI usage patterns. The findings suggest that changes related to AI adoption follow a gradual and adaptive pattern rather than a disruptive one. The study contributes by providing a short-term comparative perspective on competence development in AI-supported work environments.
Recommended Citation
Rutecka-Cicha, P. & Rutecka-Cicha, K.(2026). AI in the Workplace and Changing Competence Profiles: A Comparative Study in Poland. In M. Valenta, B. Mannová, R. Pergl, A. Przybylek, M. Lang, H. Linger, C. Schneider, N. Iivari, & E. Insfran (Eds.), Making ISD Sustainable: Reloaded with AI and Automation (ISD2026 Proceedings). Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Technical University in Prague. ISBN: 978-80-01-07585-2. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2026.189