A recent study from the Workforce Lab (from Slack) has revealed a significant increase in workplace AI use. In the last quarter, AI use has risen by 47% and is shown to correlate with increased productivity, as workers are spending less time on “low-value tasks”. However, while the benefits of using AI tools are becoming more apparent, many company executives still err on the side of caution.
Data security and privacy is the top priority for all companies, with many concerned that integrating AI into their modus operandi could pose data protection risks. However, the pressure is now on executives to reconsider and find suitable ways to make the most of what AI offers to benefit employees in the long-term. This article discusses the Slack study’s key insights and how AI has changed the way people are working.
What Are the Key Findings?
Slack’s study has revealed a general increase in AI use despite some general skepticism around how it should be used. Here are some important takeaways:
- AI use in the workplace has accelerated 24% in the past quarter.
- One in four desk workers reported that they have tried AI tools during work as of January 2024, compared to one in five as of September 2023.
- 80% of people using AI say that this technology is already improving their productivity.
- Desk worker perceptions remain mixed – 42% say they’re excited about AI and automation to handle tasks from their current job, 31% are neutral and 27% are concerned.
- All executives feel pressure to integrate AI tools into their organization, with half of all executives saying they feel a high degree of urgency to incorporate AI tools.
- Desk workers at companies that have issued guidelines for how AI can be used are nearly six times more likely to have experimented with AI tools, compared with desk workers whose companies have no guidelines around AI usage.
Although AI adoption in the workplace has its benefits, it’s essential to address the mixed perceptions and concerns surrounding this technology. Organizations should focus on providing proper training and education to ensure that employees understand the potential benefits, as well as the limitations of AI tools. By encouraging transparency on the topic, businesses can alleviate concerns and encourage more desk workers to embrace AI as a valuable resource for enhancing productivity.
“The data indicates that failing to provide guidance or instruction on AI may be inhibiting your employees from giving it a try. If you’re looking to ready your workforce for the AI revolution, you can start by providing guidelines for how AI can be used at work.” Christina Janzer, Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics at Slack & Head of Workforce Lab
Reducing the “Work of Work”
According to Slack’s study, 41% of desk workers find that they spend time on tasks that are “low value, repetitive, or lack meaningful contribution to their core job functions”. To combat this, these same desk workers believe that by using AI they can complete menial tasks at a more efficient rate, allowing them to refocus their energy away from “the work of work” and towards more high-value activities.
“If the average desk worker is spending two full days each week on this ‘work of work,’ that’s a problem – and an opportunity. Implementing AI and automation tools that are trusted, intuitive, and embedded in the flow of work is key to recalibrating energy at work toward the activities that will move the needle.” Christina Janzer, Slack
Taking back that time would be a game-changer for companies of all sizes, and could lead to the four-day workweek becoming more prevalent across many industries.
The Executive Point of View
Statistically, two in five executives still have significant concerns about AI. This is mostly linked to worries over protecting data from being breached, but it also speaks to a certain level of distrust in AI and how reliable its output is.
This table highlights what executives currently see as the main positives and negatives about utilizing AI.
| Benefits and Opportunities | Challenges and Concerns |
|---|---|
| Increased efficiency and productivity of employees (38%) | Data security and privacy (44%) |
| Data-driven decision-making (35%) | AI reliability and accuracy (36%) |
| Innovation of products and services (34%) | Lack of expertise and skill gap among staff (25%) |
| Cost reductions (33%) | Ethical and compliance issues (17%) |
| Increased focus on strategy over rote tasks (27%) | Customer trust and acceptance (17%) |
| Enhanced customer experience (18%) | Cost of implementation and maintenance (16%) |
Ultimately, the issues with AI are centered around trust – can it be trusted to perform when it matters? ChatGPT’s recent hiccup, practically going off-script and losing linguistic sense, highlights the fact that AI is still in its infancy. Those executives who feel rushed into implementing AI have a right to argue whether it can be trusted to operate correctly as of today.
Summary
Productivity in workplaces may well correlate with AI use, but how far can you go with its capabilities? Is there a risk of AI turning on its users and breaching companies’ data protection?
While the benefits of using AI are evident, many executives remain hesitant due to valid data security concerns. The challenge lies in finding a balance between embracing AI’s potential to improve user experience and ensuring consistent data security.