More than half of both Scottish employers (57%) and workers (56%) believe artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace should have a positive impact and should be embraced rather than feared.
A survey conducted by recruitment firm Hays, which received responses from some 8,800 professionals and employers across the UK, including some 450 in Scotland, found that just over a third (34%) of employers said they were using AI. It was shown that only 9% were at a loss as to whether they were positive or not. I think it should be feared.
Only 1 in 5 employers currently use AI tools, but usage is high across many professions, including marketing, with more than a third of professionals (37%) say they have used AI tools in their current role.
AI usage is also high in technology, architecture and sales at 30%, 23% and 17% respectively.
A lack of awareness or understanding of their benefits is the main reason for not taking advantage of AI tools today.
Keith Mason, director of Hays Scotland, said only 34% of employers say they are currently investing in training people to upskill in AI tools and technology. Of these, just over 1 in 4 uses tools such as ChatGPT.
“The primary benefits that organizations can gain from using AI are cost savings, process efficiencies, and productivity gains, but there is a balance in which the primary objective is to transform employment rather than replace human workers. Integrating AI in a smart way is very important.”
Hayes sees an increase in AI recruitment in Scotland, but worries about how it will be regulated and used for good in its own right. Workers can benefit from AI by switching to more interesting and meaningful roles, and this can be achieved if employers invest in appropriate upskilling and reskilling.
“A concern is how quickly AI technology is advancing, but more than half of employers say they don’t have the right skills in their workforce to take full advantage of AI,” Mason said. said Mr. “It’s a great opportunity for professionals to learn how AI will impact their professions and how AI tools can be used to advance their careers and improve their skills.”
Mason explains how the use of AI in the recruitment industry has streamlined the process during the initial pre-screening stage of matching candidates to job requirements, especially when high volumes of recruitment are required, such as in call centers. I mentioned that it can be done.
However, AI cannot provide the creativity needed to explore human skills and attributes.
“This is an example of how AI can be integrated into processes,” he continued. “But there is no substitute for cultural fit and the human element of being able to assess a person’s strengths, weaknesses and personality traits, important aspects that add real value to a business.”
The survey also revealed that the majority (65%) of employers intend to allow their staff to use AI tools, but plan to monitor their usage.
Only 5% of employers have already banned the use of AI tools, and 12% plan to ban tools like ChatGPT.
Fewer than 1 in 5 workers say they already use AI tools like ChatGPT in their current role, and that number increases to 37% among professionals aged 20 to 29.
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