TL;DR:
- KPMG’s recent survey indicates a growing adoption trend of generative AI tools in Canadian workplaces.
- 22% of respondents are using these tools to enhance their job responsibilities.
- Frequent usage of generative AI has increased, with over 60% using it multiple times a week.
- The annualized growth rate in generative AI adoption is an impressive 32%.
- Employees using generative AI report saving one to five hours of work per week.
- Private generative AI tools are on the rise within organizations.
- Employers are encouraged to assess the impact of generative AI on their operations and establish clear strategies.
- Skepticism exists among some professionals who do not perceive the benefits or find the technology too complex.
- Education is essential to help employers and employees grasp the transformative potential of generative AI.
Main AI News:
In a recent survey conducted by KPMG in Canada, a significant trend has emerged in the realm of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, transforming the way Canadians work. The latest Generative AI Adoption Index has shown a remarkable 22 percent of respondents leveraging these tools to augment their job responsibilities.
Gathering insights from 4,515 Canadians, the survey has not only underscored a surge in user numbers but also a remarkable increase in the frequency of usage, compared to just six months ago. Over 60 percent of generative AI users now harness this technology multiple times a week, marking a notable jump from 52 percent in the previous survey conducted in May.
Seamus Blackmore, Partner at KPMG in Canada and Product Leader at Lighthouse, asserts, “The incredible pace of adoption, merely a year since its introduction to the general public, illustrates how generative AI has not only revolutionized work processes but also supercharged the speed of technological innovation, ushering in breakthroughs at an unprecedented rate.”
For business leaders, adapting to this rapidly evolving technology is imperative. Blackmore adds, “Understanding how generative AI could impact their operations and adjusting strategies accordingly is essential for maintaining competitiveness.“
The survey’s findings also spotlight a remarkable annualized growth rate of 32 percent in the adoption of generative AI tools, hinting that half of the Canadian workforce could be integrating these tools into their routines within the next three years.
Blackmore reflects on this evolution, stating, “When the tool initially became available, professionals were experimenting with it to explore its capabilities in working smarter. Our survey unequivocally demonstrates that generative AI has become an invaluable resource for many Canadian professionals.”
Generative AI at Work
The survey unveils that employees leveraging generative AI at work are experiencing even greater productivity gains than previously reported. Nearly 58 percent of users reported saving between one to five hours of work per week with the assistance of generative AI, up from 55 percent in May.
Of these users, a significant 76 percent rely on publicly available generative AI tools, while the remaining 24 percent utilize private generative AI tools developed exclusively by their employers.
Marc Low, Director at KPMG Ignition, predicts a rise in organizations adopting private generative AI systems as the availability of customizable tools continues to expand. He emphasizes, “The more employees embrace these tools, the greater the benefits they will reap.”
Overcoming Employer Hesitation
Low notes that while many organizations express interest in adopting private generative AI systems, they often hesitate due to the influx of new tools, frequent updates, and the ever-changing dynamics of the market. He recommends that organizations conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand how generative AI will impact their operations effectively.
“Adopting generative AI solely as a trend or following the crowd is not a sound business strategy. Organizations must be deliberate in their approach, defining the necessity, pinpointing its impact areas, and establishing metrics for productivity improvements and competitiveness to ensure a return on investment,” Low advises.
Addressing Generative AI Skepticism
Among respondents who have yet to embrace generative AI tools for their work, 27 percent do not perceive the benefits of the technology in their roles. Nearly an equal proportion finds the technology either too complex or lacks the requisite training for effective utilization. Low underscores the need for greater education among employers and employees to grasp the transformative potential of generative AI when integrated and deployed effectively.
Key Takeaways from KPMG’s Latest Generative AI Adoption Index:
- A notable 20 percent of generative AI users reported employing the technology daily, a rise from 18 percent in May. Furthermore, 41 percent reported using it a few times a week, compared to 34 percent in the previous survey.
- A significant 77 percent stated that their employers were cognizant of their use of generative AI at work, representing an increase from the previous 64 percent. Moreover, 90 percent expressed that generative AI tools have enhanced the quality of their professional work, up from 84 percent.
- A remarkable 72 percent deemed using generative AI as essential in managing their workload, marking an increase from 65 percent. Additionally, 76 percent reported that generative AI tools enabled them to take on additional workloads that would have otherwise been unmanageable, an increase from 67 percent.
- A noteworthy 55 percent reported always verifying the accuracy of information produced by generative AI, up from 49 percent.
Conclusion:
The survey findings indicate that generative AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the Canadian workforce, driving productivity and efficiency. With a substantial growth rate and tangible benefits reported by users, organizations should carefully consider its integration. Addressing skepticism and providing education will be crucial for maximizing the transformative potential of generative AI in the market.
