The proportion of British people who use generative AI (GenAI) at work has increased by 66% in just a year, according to the annual Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends Survey, released Thursday. This significant rise, albeit from a low base of only 14% of the 4,150 survey participants, underscores the growing influence of GenAI in the workplace. Despite this surge, many employers remain hesitant to fully endorse or integrate this technology. Why?
A Rapid Rise from a Modest Base
The dramatic increase in GenAI usage at work highlights a swift adoption rate, yet the actual proportion of users remains relatively small. This discrepancy suggests that while GenAI’s potential is recognized, its implementation is still in the early stages. The rapid adoption rate supports the narrative that GenAI could profoundly impact workplace productivity and efficiency. However, the hesitation from employers reveals underlying concerns and strategic misalignments.
Reasons for Employer Hesitation
There are several reasons why some businesses may not be actively encouraging the use of GenAI among their employees:
- Risk vs. Reward Assessment: Many businesses have carefully evaluated the use cases of GenAI and concluded that the potential rewards do not currently justify the risks or costs involved. This conservative approach can stem from uncertainties about return on investment or concerns about integrating new technologies into existing workflows.
- Lack of Understanding: Some companies may not fully grasp the potential benefits of GenAI for their specific operations with some UK firms failing to invest in tech. This knowledge gap can lead to a cautious stance, as decision-makers prefer to avoid unfamiliar technologies.
- Strategic Oversight: In some cases, the adoption of GenAI might occur without strategic direction or encouragement from top management. This lack of oversight can result in missed opportunities and unmanaged risks, raising concerns about the broader implications for the business. The Evolution of Work and Workers in the UK
The Missed Opportunities
If employees can enhance productivity or output with GenAI, companies have the potential to achieve similar, if not greater, benefits on a larger scale.
AI and Work: Job Evolution, Not Job Extinction
Failing to capitalize on this opportunity means businesses could fall behind competitors who embrace these advancements.
Moreover, unmonitored use of GenAI by employees carries inherent risks. Without proper management or oversight, businesses may inadvertently expose themselves to vulnerabilities, such as data inaccuracies or biases in AI-generated content. The Deloitte survey found that over a third of the wider U.K. population between the ages of 16 and 75, who use GenAI, believed it was always factually accurate and unbiased, despite well-documented issues with hallucinations and biases.
Demographic Trends in GenAI Usage
While Deloitte’s survey did not provide a detailed breakdown of workplace usage by age and gender, it did highlight broader trends among the general population. Over 60% of individuals aged 16-34 (Gen Z and younger millennials) reported using GenAI, compared to just 14% of those aged 55-75 (older Gen Xers and Baby Boomers). Additionally, men were more likely to use these technologies than women, at rates of 43% and 28%, respectively.
The primary uses of generative AI products included generating ideas, searching for information, creating written content and emails, and summarizing text. Workers who engaged more frequently with AI were generally more satisfied with the technology and working life, which indicates that increased familiarity breeds contentment. However, when these technologies are used in a professional context, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that their workers are also satisfied and productive with a tech-driven approach.
The Workers Union says…
“The rapid increase in generative AI usage at work reflects its potential to revolutionize workplace productivity and efficiency. However, the hesitance from employers to fully back this technology points to significant concerns and strategic challenges. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach that weighs the risks and rewards, enhances understanding of GenAI’s benefits, and ensures proper oversight to manage potential risks. As businesses navigate these complexities, the successful integration of GenAI could become a defining factor in their future competitiveness and success.”
