Workers across various industries are increasingly seeking comprehensive training and guidance on utilizing AI tools in their roles. Despite the rapid introduction of new technologies, many employees report feeling left to navigate AI integration on their own. Recent surveys by Gallup and Wiley shed light on the growing disconnect between workforce needs and organizational support in adopting AI.
The Growing Gap Between Employees and Employers in AI Adoption
Employees are feeling the pressure to self-educate on AI technologies as their employers introduce new tools without adequate support. This lack of guidance is creating frustration and hindering effective use of AI in the workplace.
Key Issues Faced by Workers
- Lack of Training: Employees are expected to learn AI tools independently.
- Insufficient Guidance: Minimal information on use cases and operational methods.
- Increased Workload: AI tools are adding to employees’ responsibilities rather than simplifying tasks.
Andrew Grill, AI expert and author, emphasized the issue: “What I’ve seen a lot of is people are basically turning on Microsoft Copilot, saying ‘Hey, everyone, we’ve now got access to it,’ but they’re not explaining what to do with it.”
Current Comfort Levels with AI Use: Survey Stats
Surveys conducted by Gallup and Wiley reveal significant insights into how comfortable workers feel about using AI in their jobs. The data highlights a concerning trend of declining confidence and preparedness among employees.
Table: Workers’ Comfort Levels with AI
Metric |
Percentage |
---|---|
Employees using new AI tools in the past year |
20% |
Workers feeling very comfortable with AI |
6% |
Workers somewhat comfortable with AI |
16% |
Workers very uncomfortable with AI |
~33% |
Drop in employees feeling prepared to work with AI |
-6 percentage points |
Employees struggling to integrate AI into work |
40% |
Workers lacking confidence in utilizing AI |
75% |
Managers feeling equipped to support AI integration |
~33% |
Fortune 500 CHROs using AI to improve business |
>90% |
U.S. employees aware of AI integration in business |
~33% |
The stark contrast between leadership and employee perceptions underscores the need for more robust training programs and clearer communication strategies within organizations.
Productivity Challenges: AI Tools Adding to Workload
While AI tools are intended to enhance productivity, many workers report the opposite effect. An Upwork survey among over 2,500 full-time workers, freelancers, and executives found that almost 80% of employees using generative AI felt it added to their workload and hampered their productivity.
Impact of AI on Daily Operations
- Increased Review Time: Employees spend more time reviewing AI-generated content.
- Self-Learning Burden: Workers are investing extra hours to teach themselves how to use new AI tools.
- Reduced Efficiency: The additional tasks associated with AI integration are detracting from overall productivity.
Ben Wigert, director of research and strategy for workforce management at Gallup, noted, “Leaders tend to have a broader perspective on how AI can benefit the organization, and they tend to use it a little more often in their jobs than the average employee.”
Bridging the Gap: Gallup’s Key Strategies for Employers
To address the challenges highlighted by these surveys, Gallup recommends three key strategies for employers aiming to make AI adoption more effective and less burdensome for their employees.
Three Strategies to Improve AI Integration
- Clearly Communicate a Plan for Integration
- Employees who understand the organization’s AI strategy are nearly three times more likely to feel prepared and over four times more likely to feel comfortable using AI in their roles.
- Establish Clear Guidance for AI Use
- With 75% of workers reporting a lack of straightforward AI policies, creating clear guidelines can empower employees to use AI tools effectively and securely.
- Align Training with Employees’ Needs
- Formal educational experiences significantly boost employee confidence and productivity with AI, with those receiving training being almost 90% more likely to view AI positively.
Ben Wigert emphasized, “Employees will also become more comfortable when they use AI as consumers, from tailoring their dinner and grocery orders to completing their patient information forms. Often technology adoption takes off when it becomes intuitive and makes our lives easier both at work and home.”