In a recent survey conducted by UKG among over 4,000 global workers, a significant disparity emerged: while 78% of C-suite executives claimed their organizations currently utilize AI, only 42% of employees believe they’re actively engaged with this technology in their workplace. This survey, carried out by the HR and payroll management company, exposed a notable disconnect between higher management and regular employees concerning the integration of AI within company operations. Hugo Sarrazin, UKG’s chief product and technology officer, emphasized the crucial need for increased transparency regarding the deployment of this technology.
Describing it as a technological disruption, Sarrazin highlighted the importance of articulating the intentions behind employing AI and linking these initiatives with tangible business outcomes to garner employee support.
Following the surge in generative AI adoption following the launch of ChatGPT a year ago, business leaders and executives swiftly sought ways to integrate this technology into their workflows. Sarrazin acknowledged potential exaggeration in the extent of adoption but emphasized the evident trend of companies rapidly embracing AI. Sarrazin pointed out the discrepancy between employees’ personal experiences with AI, such as using ChatGPT or Bard for creative tasks, and their limited interaction with AI in the workplace. This disparity leads to a gap in understanding and perception about the nature of AI in professional settings.
According to Sarrazin, there lies a substantial disparity in comprehending the scope and definition of AI, and a disconnect between personal experiences with AI while browsing the internet and its implementation within the work environment. Looking at the bigger picture, Sarrazin emphasized the responsibility lying on employers to elucidate the domains where AI is utilized at work, its limitations, and the safe and effective ways to leverage generative AI for boosting productivity. Amidst the swift adoption of new-gen AI tech, employees would greatly benefit from increased transparency regarding company strategies and their implications on day-to-day tasks.
Sarrazin highlighted the survey’s findings, emphasizing the lack of transparency, communication, adequate training, and comprehensive understanding needed for the proper integration of AI within organizations.
