A recent survey conducted by Savanta for WSP has revealed that while discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace are prevalent among UK employees, the actual impact of the technology remains limited. The survey, which queried 4,020 employees in June 2023, found that just under a third of UK employees perceive AI's influence in their work environments as "minor." Only 13 per cent of those surveyed described the impact of AI as significant.
The findings indicate a discrepancy between the volume of conversations regarding AI implementation and the tangible changes being witnessed in the workplace. According to the survey, "Four in ten employees agree that there has been more discussion about how to implement AI/tech in their workplace than actual change." This suggests that while there is considerable interest and anticipation surrounding AI, actual integration into business practices has yet to fully materialise.
Looking to the future, 84 per cent of respondents believe the technology is likely to have a considerable impact on their workplaces. The anticipated benefits include increased efficiency, cited by 41 per cent of participants, as well as enhanced productivity and cost reductions, noted by 37 per cent. However, there are significant concerns; 28 per cent of employees foresee "job displacement" due to AI, and 32 per cent voiced concerns about their positions being threatened. In addition, 29 per cent expect that advancements in AI technology will necessitate a change in their job or career path.
In light of the evolving landscape, 44 per cent of employees acknowledge the need to adapt to new technologies over the next five years to maintain their job security. Despite the potential for AI to transform business practices, the readiness for such a shift appears mixed, with only 46 per cent feeling comfortable using AI technologies and merely 38 per cent believing that adoption would accelerate their career progression.
Industry forecasts from Gartner suggest that AI technologies are currently positioned at the "peak of inflated expectations" in 2024, with a transition to the "trough of disillusionment" likely as companies begin to confront the realities of implementation. Generative AI, in particular, seems set for this trajectory, corroborated by a study from Intel which indicated that AI-powered PCs might lead to less productive employees rather than enhanced efficiencies.
Part of the challenge in realising the full potential of AI is attributed to a deficiency in education about the technology. The WSP survey highlights that organisations offering AI-assisted products must prioritise greater educational efforts to effectively demonstrate the benefits of "everyday AI".
On a more positive note, the survey revealed that 72 per cent of respondents reported their employers providing resources to facilitate adaptation to AI and technology. However, it is noteworthy that more than a quarter (28 per cent) of employees did not receive such support.
In conclusion, while there is an overarching expectation of AI's impact on the business landscape, the transition from theory to practice is still underway. As conversations continue to abound, companies face the imperative to bridge the gap between the anticipated benefits and the current realities of AI integration in the workplace.
Source: Noah Wire Services