Young people, administrative workers face higher risks as AI adoption accelerates in Belgium

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgium is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s frontrunners in artificial intelligence adoption, but the accelerated digital transformation is raising concerns for young people and administrative workers, broadcaster VRT reported on Wednesday.

Although companies are embracing AI at record speed, the report cautioned that certain segments of the workforce are increasingly vulnerable, particularly young people entering the labor market and employees in administrative roles, citing a new report by High Council for Employment (HRW).

By 2025, nearly 35% of companies in Belgium are expected to use at least one form of AI, marking a sharp increase of 20 percentage points in just two years.

Adoption is especially pronounced in energy sector, where 90% of companies already rely on the technology, followed by information and communications technology sector at 78%.

Minister of Labor, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval said AI is not currently eliminating jobs in Belgium but acknowledged that it is profoundly reshaping how work is performed.

Despite Belgium facing some of the highest structural labor shortages in Europe, Clarinval noted that sectors experiencing the most acute shortages, such as construction and healthcare, are among the least exposed to AI-driven disruption.

The HRW found that 43% of jobs in Belgium are “highly exposed” to AI, with the strongest impact seen in office-based occupations.

Managers and highly skilled professionals often benefit from AI as a productivity-enhancing tool, whereas administrative workers face a more uncertain outlook.

While 79% of administrative roles are highly exposed to AI, their level of “complementarity” with the technology remains low, the report said.

Many administrative functions are repetitive and routine, making them easier to automate and heightening the risk of displacement rather than augmentation.

Young people are identified as another vulnerable group. The HRW warned that generative AI could erode traditional entry-level positions, which frequently consist of routine and knowledge-based tasks that enable young workers to gain experience.

Such tasks are precisely those most susceptible to automation, the council noted, adding that older workers are relatively better shielded due to accumulated experience and “tacit knowledge” that is more difficult to replicate.