Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, has released a new study highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the well-being and productivity of workplaces in Ireland and the UK.
A survey of 200 IT decision makers – split evenly across both markets – found that 68% of IT leaders believe that AI use reduces stress levels.
Almost three-quarters of respondents (72%) believe that AI can improve work-life balance, with 66% allowing employees to focus on more meaningful tasks from repetitive manual tasks.
Additionally, 57% reported that employees were optimistic about the impact of AI on their daily roles.
In Ireland, adoption of AI appears to be at a pace.
70% of respondents here say their organization already allows AI to be used, while 68% personally use it to support their work.
Over half (51%) use AI every day, and only 2% do not use it.
The appeal of this technology has also influenced career preferences, with 69% of Ireland's IT leaders preferring to work in more advanced companies in AI adoption.
However, the findings also reveal significant barriers.
The most common challenge is the wider organizational lack of understanding of the potential applications or benefits of AI, cited by 31% of respondents.
Additionally, 73% say user recruitment is a concern, while 30% feel that senior management is not aware of the potential of AI.
Other hurdles include data, privacy and security management (28%), lack of trust in AI (27%), employee resistance (27%), and insufficient AI skills within the organization (27%).
In particular, 40% of IT leaders currently do not believe their teams have the technical skills to implement AI, while 70% say their employees expect formal AI training.
Comment on the findings, John Taron“M365 Productivity and Adoption,” said Storm Technology, Director of Azure Application Innovation and Azure Data & AI Practices.
“On the other hand, it is seen as a way to reduce workload stress, support creativity and support productivity.
“However, on the other hand, we are reluctant to adopt AI due to gaps in understanding and the skills required.
“Companies need to bridge this knowledge gap to take advantage of the benefits of AI.
