An increasing number of workers are embracing the use of artificial intelligence tools in the workplace, but many still don't know exactly how it can effectively benefit them, according to new research.
A Slack study has revealed that workers are slightly adapting to AI in the office, especially when it comes to increasing productivity and efficiency, but it still appears there is still some way to go.
In fact, many workers simply want to use AI to offload some of their most boring and tedious tasks, freeing them up to focus on more creative or enriching work, according to the study.
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Findings from Slack's Workforce Lab surveyed more than 10,000 workers around the world, uncovering some significant differences in opinions between seniority levels when it comes to the use of AI.
It found that the vast majority of executives (96%) felt an urgency to incorporate AI into business operations as soon as possible, and the number of executives aiming to do so “in the next 18 months” increased from 5% to 35% of all executives. a 7-fold growth from September 2023.
“Companies have urgent and ambitious goals for AI in the enterprise and our research shows there are huge productivity benefits to be had, but many leaders are still figuring out how to drive adoption among employees,” says Denise Dresser, CEO of Slack .
“While this is truly a seismic shift in the future of work, there are simple steps every company can take starting today to help employees embrace AI while maintaining trust.”
When it comes to desktop workers, AI is playing a more prominent role: its use has increased 23% since the January 2024 survey and 60% since September 2023.
Nearly all (81%) of workers said AI tools were helping improve productivity, and just under half (47%) of desktop workers said they were happy to have AI handle their tasks. work (compared to 42% at the beginning of 2024). )
Many desk workers are also experiencing burnout, according to the study: About a third of workers say they get stressed regularly and 30% say they don't feel passionate about their work.
With many having to prioritize administrative tasks over real, high-value work, many workers warmly welcome the possibility of AI stepping in and alleviating this pressure, the survey notes.
“We are at a crucial inflection point with AI. If we want to make the most of what AI can offer without simply increasing stress and burnout, it is up to us as leaders to equip our teams with tools they can rely on and helping employees direct that extra time into more rewarding work,” said Christina Janzer, director of Slack Workforce Labs.
