TL;DR:
- 46% of employees have experimented with generative AI at least once.
- 26% of respondents use generative AI several times a week.
- Regular users of generative AI exhibit higher levels of optimism (62%) compared to non-users (36%).
- Concerns about AI have decreased from 40% in 2018 to 30% in the present.
- Leaders (80%) are more likely to use generative AI regularly compared to front-line employees (20%).
- Front-line employees have lower optimism (42%) and higher concerns about AI.
- The majority of respondents (79%) support AI-specific regulations.
- Recommendations for leaders include creating spaces for responsible AI experimentation, continuous upskilling, and building a responsible AI program.
Main AI News:
In recent months, generative AI has been consistently making headlines, prompting questions about its real impact on people’s work. A recent survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world’s leading consulting firms, sheds light on this matter. The survey, which involved 12,800 employed individuals across 18 countries, reveals that 46% of employees have experimented with generative AI at least once. This significant figure comes as no surprise, given the exponential growth in user numbers of generative AI products.
Steve Mills, a managing director, partner, and chief AI ethics officer at BCG, expressed his thoughts on the matter in an interview with VentureBeat. He stated, “It’s a really big number, but I’m not totally surprised either because of how we’ve seen the user numbers of these generative AI products take off like nothing before.”
The survey also discovered that an impressive 26% of respondents reported using generative AI several times a week. This demonstrates the increasing integration of this technology into daily work routines.
What is particularly encouraging for AI programmers, companies, and tool vendors is that the BCG report highlights a growing optimism toward AI as individuals become more familiar with its capabilities. As users engage with generative AI on a regular basis, their positive sentiments increase significantly. In fact, 62% of respondents who considered themselves regular users ranked optimism as one of their top two emotions toward AI. This stands in stark contrast to only 36% of non-users who shared the same sentiment. The overall optimism toward AI has experienced a remarkable 17% jump compared to five years ago when BCG last surveyed individuals on this topic. Furthermore, concerns about the technology have diminished from 40% in 2018 to a mere 30% this year.
The report states, “Optimism grows with familiarity, and respondents who use generative AI regularly are far more bullish than those who have never tried it.”
However, it is crucial to note that there are distinct differences in the adoption and attitudes toward generative AI depending on the hierarchical level within an organization. BCG categorized the 12,800 survey respondents into three main groups: front-line employees, managers, and leaders. Although the exact number of employees in each category is not specified, the distribution closely mirrors the average split of 85% front-line employees, 10% managers, and 5% leaders. Notably, 80% of leaders reported regular usage of generative AI tools, whereas only 20% of front-line employees shared this level of engagement.
In terms of optimism, 62% of leaders expressed a positive outlook on AI, while only 42% of front-line employees held the same sentiment. This highlights a significant disconnect between leadership and their staff, with front-line employees displaying higher levels of concern and lower levels of optimism. Given the reports of AI replacing certain jobs, it is not surprising that front-line employees harbor reservations about the technology.
The survey also revealed widespread support for AI-specific regulations across all employee groups. A majority of respondents (79%) expressed the necessity of such regulations, with the Middle East displaying the highest demand at 89% and Germany at the lowest at 64%.
In light of these findings, the report concludes with three key recommendations for leaders. Firstly, it encourages organizations to create spaces for responsible experimentation with AI. This allows for a better understanding of the technology’s potential and limitations. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for continuous upskilling to ensure employees can adapt to the evolving nature of their jobs in the age of AI. Lastly, the report underscores the importance of building a responsible AI program that addresses ethical concerns. Employees seek guidance and reassurance that their organizations are approaching AI with ethics and responsibility in mind.
Conclusion:
The survey conducted by BCG reveals a growing optimism and adoption of generative AI in the workplace. With almost half of the employees having experimented with this technology and a significant portion using it on a regular basis, it is clear that generative AI is gaining traction. The increased familiarity with AI has resulted in higher levels of optimism and decreased concerns among users.
However, there is a notable disconnect between leadership and front-line employees, indicating the need for better communication and understanding of AI’s impact. The widespread support for AI-specific regulations highlights the importance of ethical considerations. As the market evolves, businesses should embrace generative AI while ensuring responsible and ethical implementation.
