Fear of Judgement: Employees Seek More Guidance on AI in the Workplace
A recent survey conducted by Asana reveals that while employees and executives see the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, a lack of training and guidance has led many to fear judgment for using it. The survey, which included 4,546 knowledge workers in the US and UK, found that despite 36% of employees already using AI on a weekly basis, less than a quarter of companies provide any guidance on how to harness the technology effectively.
The use cases for AI have expanded significantly with the introduction of generative AI tools into the public domain. The majority of workers are using AI to streamline tasks and reduce busy work. The report shows that 30% of employees currently use AI for data analysis, while 25% use it for administrative functions. However, the survey also reveals that many employees want to take AI even further, with 45% of US respondents expressing a desire to use it for brainstorming, compared to 32% in the UK.
Executives are also embracing the benefits of AI, with 55% of those surveyed using it for goal setting, and 61% believing that AI will help their companies achieve objectives more effectively than traditional methods. Additionally, more than half of executives stated that they would be willing to pay extra for workplace tools powered by AI.
Despite the positive outlook on AI, employees are concerned about potential negative judgments for using the technology at work. Approximately 26% of workers worry that their use of AI will be perceived as laziness, while 20% admit to feeling like a fraud for utilizing AI. With governments grappling with AI regulation, companies must also take responsibility by implementing policies, guidance, and training. The survey found that 48% of employees want more guidance from their employers on how to use AI effectively. Currently, only 24% of employees report receiving any guidelines for AI usage, with 23% in the US and just 13% in the UK receiving training.
The lack of AI training and guidance could have long-term implications for hiring, as 39% of survey respondents stated that the absence of such training impacts their decisions to join a company. Additionally, 59% consider transparency around the use of AI when considering a new company.
Saket Srivastava, CIO at Asana, highlights the need for clear guidelines and training to navigate the shift towards AI in the workplace. Organizations that succeed in providing these resources will be able to leverage AI to unlock new levels of human ingenuity.
In conclusion, while the use of AI in the workplace continues to grow, employees and executives alike are seeking more guidance and training. Companies must take responsibility for providing policies, guidelines, and training to ensure the effective and ethical use of AI. By doing so, organizations can harness the full capabilities of AI while alleviating employees’ fears of judgment and creating a positive and productive work environment.
