Strengthening employee perceptions of AI 

Patrycja Sobera at Unisys considers how employers can improve the way people think about AI in the workplace

 

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace has sparked excitement and concern in recent years. While some fear AI might lead to job losses, recent findings from Unisys’ AI Business Impact Research reveal a more optimistic outlook. 

 

With all the hype around AI, it’s critical to step back and examine the misconceptions surrounding AI in the workplace and understand how the technology could impact businesses across industries. When implemented correctly, companies and employees alike embrace AI and the benefits it brings—from job satisfaction to career growth and overall time saved on day-to-day tasks. 

 

Employer and employee outlooks 

Faced with the benefits AI offers, employers are increasingly optimistic about the role of AI in their business strategies. In fact, Unisys’ research shows that nine in ten (89%) of companies plan to increase their AI usage over the next 12 months, driven by the belief that AI is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. This intention comes straight from the C-suite, with 73% of executives believing that failing to invest in AI now will hinder their future competitiveness, and an overwhelming 99% consider AI adoption a competitive priority.

 

However, as with all technology, AI presents challenges for employers. Organisations must implement strict processes to help ensure its usefulness and support employee growth and satisfaction to retain top talent—otherwise, this investment will not yield positive results.

 

On the other hand, companies that create leadership oversight, set a clear vision for its use and establish policies for employees will reap the benefits, including time saved on routine tasks.

 

Our research found that 87% of companies that have used AI for more than six months, implemented employee training and appointed a chief AI officer are seeing the positive results of their investments. In contrast, only 57% of companies that have not taken these actions are experiencing the same benefits. 

 

Job creation, not loss

Contrary to the common misconception that AI will lead to widespread job losses, our research paints a different picture. AI is expected to create new job opportunities, with 61% of employees believing AI will lead to new career pathways.

 

Furthermore, employees are not acting as passive recipients of AI integration. Instead, they actively embrace it, with approximately four in five employees believing that acquiring AI skills will boost their career prospects. 

 

While the perception of AI’s role in the workplace is improving, employers must ensure they offer cutting-edge technology to attract the best talent that will move their organizations forward. Over half of the employees surveyed indicated that having more up-to-date IT equipment, software and devices and a clear vision for leveraging new technologies would positively influence their decision to join a company.

 

Within the current job market, providing opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking work with advanced technology can go a long way in securing the high-value talent that will grow their business. 

 

The need for AI training

While organisations must put effort into securing top talent with existing AI expertise, there is a clear need to put resources toward training existing workforces. More than that, employers should consider the needs of their existing employees to understand what skills gaps exist and how to close them. This will help alleviate employee fears over being pressured to adapt to new technology without adequate training and the consequences of failing to do so.  

 

Currently, nearly 60% of organisations surveyed are implementing AI training. This will have tremendous results, from increased productivity to better business efficiency. Furthermore, companies that take necessary action to upskill their employees will not only close existing skills gaps but better position themselves to attract new talent to their ranks.  

 

The future of AI in the workplace

Integrating AI into the workplace is set to continue its upward trajectory. With most companies planning to ramp up their AI usage, technology is becoming integral to business operations. 

 

Employees are already seeing the technology’s benefits. To strengthen this view and help counter any fears that may exist around AI, employers must act now to put in place sound policies that benefit their employees and drive business growth for years to come. 

 

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Patrycja Sobera is global vice president of delivery for Digital Workplace Solutions at Unisys

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Laurence Dutton