A recent study conducted by Visier, a workforce analytics and planning company, suggests that employees could save up to 390 hours per year by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The research surveyed over 3,000 workers across multiple countries and found that those who have already embraced AI tools are saving an average of 93 minutes each day.
Despite the potential time-saving benefits, the study also revealed that more than half of the respondents (56%) believe that their employers are not actively embracing or encouraging the adoption of AI for productivity boosts. Concerns about AI replacing existing skills and potential job redundancies were cited by 53% of employees, highlighting a need for appropriate regulations to protect workers.
While two-thirds (67%) of the respondents acknowledged the importance of developing AI skills for future career growth, the study did not explore the extent of active learning among employees. Many workers may be unsure about where to begin in terms of acquiring AI skills, as the technology has rapidly evolved in recent months.
However, the study also showed that some employees have reservations about AI. A third of the respondents (36%) believe that AI will add to their work-related stress, while concerns about accuracy (37%) and data privacy (38%) were also raised.
As time progresses, improvements are expected in the AI landscape, with companies like OpenAI and Microsoft continuously developing and enhancing AI models and tools. Nevertheless, work-life balance improvements were predicted by only two in five workers, suggesting a mixed reception to the technology. Trust and support from employers were highlighted as essential factors in the successful implementation of AI tools.
Ben Harris, Visier EMEA North Director, emphasized the role of businesses in bridging the skills gap and training employees on emerging technologies like AI. He urged business leaders to align with government investments and measure the success of AI adoption.
In conclusion, while AI holds the potential to significantly save employees’ time, its adoption in the workplace is still facing challenges, including concerns about job security and data privacy. Businesses play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment and providing adequate training to facilitate the successful integration of AI tools into work processes.
