The use of AI in the workplace has been consistently increasing since 2022, with both companies and politicians encouraging the establishment of an AI-enabled workforce.
While it is clear that AI is part of many people’s daily routines, whether through personal use or company mandates, research into its use may suggest a mismatch between the adoption of AI tools and the ability to use them effectively and responsibly.
A new study commissioned by business software company Access Group and conducted by YouGov aims to examine how companies are preparing their workforces as AI becomes increasingly important to everyday work, and has some potentially worrying findings.
AI is everywhere, but skills are lagging behind
Not surprisingly, the adoption of AI in enterprises has skyrocketed in recent years. Figures vary on how common the use of AI is in the workplace, but generally speaking, around half of businesses in the UK are using AI, and similarly around half of employees are using AI.
According to research by YouGov and Access Group, 44% of employees use AI tools in some way, but the majority of employees, around 70%, say this equates to experimenting with existing AI tools in their daily work.
After all, less than one-fifth had received any kind of AI training, and most of the development where AI existed occurred in the form of informal tip-sharing among colleagues.
Looking at business decision makers and HR leaders, 32% have received some formal training, narrowly ahead.
Therefore, the use of AI is very common in the workplace, with the majority of people inherently leveraging it.
“While companies have invested heavily in AI, they have not been as successful in addressing the disconnect that exists in their workforce’s ability to use AI,” said Caroline Fanning, chief employee success officer at Access Group. “This created a huge skills gap within the company.”
What’s the problem?
The Access Group noted that while casually experimenting with AI in the workplace can be useful training, increased use of AI in the absence of formal training can lead to a number of problems.
First, staff who are expected to integrate AI tools into the workplace often do not feel they have the necessary skills to do so.
“As a result, HR teams are stuck in a cycle where they are overwhelmed with administrative tasks and don’t have time to play their part in providing the very training employees need to build their skill sets,” Fanning said.
Additionally, employees may not be aware that they are being exposed to AI errors. The survey found that only 3% of workers believe a lack of AI training is a major concern in the workplace, which could increase the risk of unchecked AI mistakes, misuse and accountability gaps, Access Group said.
“Data tells us something important. Employees are comfortable with AI. Employees are enthusiastic, but they’re moving into truly new territory. And so are the leaders who are responsible for supporting them,” Fanning said.
“The key is for businesses to respond with structure, guidance and a real will to educate.”
