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- Slack conducted a survey involving over 17,000 desk workers regarding their views on artificial intelligence.
- While executives are emphasizing AI initiatives, employee excitement about its implementation is diminishing.
- Members of Gen Z and millennials are increasingly relying on AI for assistance instead of seeking help from coworkers or friends.
A recent study by Slack reveals a disconnect between executive priorities and employee enthusiasm regarding artificial intelligence in the workplace. Despite leaders focusing heavily on AI investments and strategies, many workers appear less enthusiastic about its integration into their daily tasks.
The comprehensive survey engaged more than 17,000 desk employees globally to gauge their perceptions and experiences with AI technology. The findings indicate a stagnation in both the adoption rates of AI tools and the training provided to staff members.
Stagnant Growth in AI Adoption Among Employees
Although nearly all executives (99%) surveyed expressed intentions to invest in artificial intelligence this year, worker enthusiasm has noticeably declined. The report highlights that global excitement surrounding AI has decreased by six percentage points over the last three months. Specifically, only 36% of U.S. workers reported being “excited about using AI for task completion,” down from 45% previously.
The increase in U.S. worker adoption rates was minimal—only rising from 32% to 33%. Christina Janzer, head of Slack’s Workforce Lab, emphasized that this slowdown should serve as a significant alert for organizational leaders regarding employee engagement with emerging technologies.
Nearly Half Are Reluctant to Disclose Their Use of AI at Work
A striking finding revealed that almost half (48%) of respondents felt “uncomfortable” admitting they utilized AI tools for tasks such as drafting messages or brainstorming ideas when speaking with supervisors. Many expressed concerns that management might perceive them as “less capable” or even lazy; additionally, 47% considered using these tools akin to “cheating.”
A previous investigation by Slack involving over 10,000 participants indicated that two-fifths reported no existing workplace policies governing the use of artificial intelligence. This absence of guidelines has led many employees to exercise caution—especially given reports where individuals faced termination due to improper use of these technologies.
Insufficient Training Opportunities for Workers Regarding AI Tools
As companies rush towards integrating artificial intelligence into operations rapidly, many employees find themselves inadequately prepared for this shift. The survey uncovered that approximately 61% have dedicated less than five hours learning how to effectively utilize these technologies; furthermore, around one-third reported having received no formal training whatsoever.
This lack could pose significant challenges as automation continues reshaping job roles across industries. A recent report from the World Economic Forum projected that within five years’ time frame approximately 44% of skills required by workers will undergo substantial changes due primarily due technological advancements affecting job functions.
Workers Fear Increased Workloads Despite Time Savings Offered by AI
An overwhelming majority (97%) among executives conveyed feelings ranging from mild urgency up through strong necessity concerning incorporating artificial intelligence into business practices effectively moving forward.
However while it’s true certain repetitive tasks like composing emails can be expedited through automation solutions available today—employees voiced apprehensions suggesting any time saved may simply lead them back toward additional responsibilities rather than alleviating workloads overall!
Younger Generations Favor Seeking Help From AIs Over Colleagues
The data indicates an interesting trend: roughly eight out ten users prefer consulting AIs when seeking advice compared against reaching out directly towards peers/friends instead! Notably younger generations such as Gen Zers (30%) & Millennials(33%) frequently turn towards automated systems rather than human counterparts during problem-solving scenarios!
