Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be as transformative as the internet. It’s changing the way we work, with AI-powered copilots automating routine processes, and more autonomous, proactive intelligent agents now capable of even more without needing constant human input. Embraced and adopted in the right way, AI will unleash worker potential – reducing exposure to the chains of mundane, manual tasks that restrict productivity. Organisations that get ahead of change by embedding a culture of continuous learning will be best placed to thrive.
With this seismic shift already happening, how prepared are workforces to seize the opportunity?
A New Working Landscape
The World Economic Forum reports that within the next five years, an estimated one-quarter of jobs will change. These changes are already well underway. 81% of workers say new technology has impacted the skills required to perform their role, with 46% saying that the change has been major or transformative.
Despite its relative newness in the workplace, 63% of workers say AI has already changed their role and 78% expect it to do so within the next two years. 38% of workers believe they will need to retrain as a result, with nearly half of workers (45%) stating that the technology will affect their future job security.
Employees’ concerns are more than matched by optimism for the future. However, 80% of workers say they enjoy the opportunity to learn additional skills as new technologies are introduced. Businesses that can keep workers onside during the AI revolution will be best placed to benefit from innovation.
Unequal Adoption: Unequal Benefits
When looking at worker attitudes to AI, a mixed picture emerges. 58% are enthusiastic about AI, with two-thirds (67%) seeing the technology as a “friend” rather than a foe. For those staff embracing the technology, 46% say AI is making their job easier, and 43% say it is already reducing some boring admin tasks.
But such enthusiasm is not universal. A full third of workers surveyed expressed they would like to see AI banned from the workplace. Meanwhile, 52% of workers are worried about being left behind by new technologies.
Demographics have a part to play here in workers’ willingness to embrace AI. Younger employees are generally more enthusiastic about the technology, compared to their older counterparts with 57% of over 55s feeling they are aging out of the workforce. Similarly, men and senior management are more engaged with AI than women and manual workers. Notably, UK employees expressed less eagerness to experiment than their US or Mexican peers.
If organisations are to make a success of adopting AI, they will need to consider how they bring everyone along for the journey.
The Training Shortfall
Training, education and development are essential pillars to encourage adoption of technology. Despite this, 48% of staff surveyed worry about the future of their company, believing that their leadership team isn’t investing in building new technical skills.
In fact, almost half (45%) feel overwhelmed by the number of new apps and platforms their role requires, and 46% feel it is impossible to keep up with the new technology needed for their jobs. Over half (53%) of employees say any training on technology they do receive goes out of date quickly.
Education around the purpose and safe use of AI will be critical to encouraging adoption. 69% of employees are keen for workplace policies on AI usage, as nearly half (47%) admit to holding back on AI use, as they are worried about possible consequences. Without clear guidance, a culture of secrecy surrounding AI can evolve, with one in four (25%) staff admitting to using AI without their boss’ knowledge.
To help build workforce confidence and adoption, businesses could benefit from creating a culture of continuous learning. 57% of staff would like to use AI more, but just a quarter of staff confirm they have received specific AI training so far. Current age and gender training divides will also need to be addressed. Currently, 30% of workers aged 18-44 have received AI training, compared to 11% of over 55s. Men (36%) are also twice as likely to have received AI training compared to women (18%).
A Prompt Response
Preparing the workforce for the AI revolution will be crucial for businesses. Led by training, communication and development, businesses can create a culture of continuous learning. With staff empowered to adapt to new skills and challenges, the entire organisation benefits.
And it is the same AI that workers are grappling with that can be used to bridge the current challenges and divides. Harnessed in the right way, AI empowers learning and development (L&D) teams with the capability and capacity to achieve timely, personalised training at scale.
