The way employers and employees are trying to leverage generative artificial intelligence technologies is changing rapidly, according to a new report from the University of Phoenix.
“One of the key insights for us was that workers were not really reporting the fear of unemployment for their employers because they were embracing AI. Only 25% of workers actually reported the fear of unemployment due to AI.” McKnight's business daily.
He said there was consistency between what HR leaders (39%) and workers (40%) identified as benefits of AI. 39% of HR leaders who responded to the survey said AI saves time and increases productivity. 40% of workers respondents agreed. 42% of HR leaders and 32% of workers said that AI would improve the quality of their jobs.
“From an employer perspective, 58% of HR leaders in the survey reported savings of 2-3 hours a day using Gen AI. They see productivity, quality of work, lower stress and a greater strategic focus,” Goncalves said. “These time savings are especially valuable in every hourly healthcare.”
Goncalves said the findings are consistent with those of the University of Phoenix's career optimism study.
“Most workers are optimistic about using new tools and helping them to enhance their work,” he said.
Workers aren't afraid of being bound by the adoption of AI technology, but research suggests they may think.
“But from a long-term perspective, AI isn't just about exchanging jobs. It's a use case that companies usually start. It's about transforming jobs in the long run,” Goncalves said. “It will restructure the kinds of jobs that will be relevant in the future and the roles that will be important in each industry.”
Career development opportunities
Using AI to create career pathways is “a new frontier in how AI is used,” Goncalves said. Employers can use the technology to buy more time, focus on more fulfilling tasks and learn new skills, giving workers a sense of control, he added.
Goncalves said the Career Optimism Index showed that 87% of healthcare workers surveyed said they wanted to expand their skillset. 71% commented that upskills are needed to help them move forward in their careers.
“When implemented thoughtfully, Gen AI will help to increase these staff more efficiently, automate management tasks and reduce burnout by improving patient care quality and personalization,” he said. “However, success relies on creating that infrastructure, helping workers equip the right tools and understand how to use them effectively.”
