Trend Analysis: Employees Drive the AI Revolution

    Two women working in a clothing retail store look at a tablet and laptop computer.
    Allison Logano

    Posted By Allison Logano on June 06, 2024

    Topics: Social Listening and Trend Spotting, AI

    We think it’s safe to say the AI revolution is here in the workplace. A new study from Microsoft and LinkedIn revealed three in four knowledge workers (people whose jobs involve handling information, rather than manual labor) are now using AI at work. And according to McKinsey, just 12% of heavy AI users are in traditional tech roles. Instead, 88% of AI talent is found in jobs outside of the tech industry, with workers using generative AI for help with rote tasks in various job roles. 

    But while AI is being put to use across industries, the way employees and employers are approaching it isn’t always aligned.

    The Employer-Employee Disconnect

    Leadership wants workers to use AI, with 79% of leaders agreeing AI adoption is critical to remain competitive. Leaders also find employees with AI skills attractive: 60% of executives wouldn’t hire someone without AI experience, and 57% plan to build their AI capabilities in-house. 

    These numbers clearly demonstrate how corporate leaders perceive AI as a high-level priority for their businesses. But despite the pressure executives are putting on workers to use generative AI, employees feel they are not getting the support they need to succeed.

    An infographic titled "AI: Employers vs. Employees." On the left side of the infographic, there is an image of a man working on a laptop. On the right side, three yellow circles display key statistics: 79% of leaders agree AI adoption is critical to remain competitive. 66% of leaders wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. 57% of leaders plan to build AI capabilities in-house. At the bottom of the infographic, a purple section lists contrasting statistics in smaller yellow text: 60% of leaders say their company lacks a vision and plan to implement AI. Only 39% of users have received AI training from their company. Only 25% of companies expect to offer AI training this year. The overall color scheme is dark purple with yellow highlights and white text, creating a visually striking contrast.
    Expectations for how employees should be using AI are high — but companies are unsure of how
    to get there. Sources: Microsoft, McKinsey

    Just over a third of AI users say they have received AI training from their company, and only a quarter of organizations plan to offer AI guidance this year. Leadership has also not provided employees with a plan — the majority of leaders admitted they had no vision for how AI would be implemented at their company. 

    This lack of direction is forcing workers to use AI their own way. Almost 80% of AI users are bringing their own AI tools to work, meaning companies are missing out on the benefits of strategic AI implementation at scale, not to mention the potential cybersecurity risks of AI misuse. With employees drafting their own playbooks, companies may have their work cut out for them in clarifying universal processes and procedures for AI use moving forward.

    AI's the Limit

    As AI tools become more powerful and their use more prevalent, any company without an AI strategy will likely get left behind. But it’s risky (and ineffective) to put all the responsibility in the hands of employees. Heavy AI users know the value of their talents, and it’s possible that, without the proper support, they may take their expertise elsewhere — McKinsey found over half of regular AI users plan to leave their jobs in the next three to six months.

    One of the factors forcing them out could be job burnout. McKinsey’s survey revealed 55% of heavy AI users report clinical levels of burnout — more than 20% higher than the global sample of 32%. It could be that burnout is driving them to rely more on AI tools, or their proficiency with AI is making their job more demanding, but either way, lack of support from employers could drive away the in-house AI talent leaders are desperate for. 

    If these users move to greener pastures where they’re properly backed by their employers, it could result in a consolidation of AI talent. Some companies may miss out on the benefits of AI because they didn’t take advantage of a crucial window to provide resources and support for their workforce.

    Bridging the AI Gap

    AI is actively transforming the workplace — but without intervention, the gap between employers and employees will only continue to grow. Companies can work to close this chasm with more communication and transparency about AI expectations. We’ve been looking to JP Morgan as a model of this kind of process: Every new hire now gets AI training as part of their onboarding. 

    To truly harness the potential of AI, the onus is on organizations to provide the proper support for their workforce, including comprehensive training programs, clear AI implementation strategies, and continuous skills development opportunities. The success of the workplace AI revolution depends on it. 

    Want to stay on top of timely workplace trends and their impact on your business? Our Agile Insights team can keep you on the cutting edge.

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    Allison Logano

    Allison Logano

    Allison Logano is a Vice President at Tier One, where she leads media relations and thought leadership strategy for clients. She’s spent more than 11 years marketing global consumer brands including Amazon and National Geographic, educational nonprofits such as PBS KIDS, and innovative financial services companies including Ally Financial. A lifelong competitive athlete, she’s motivated by camaraderie and collaboration to bring awareness to brands who are truly making a difference. Prior to a career in PR, Allison spent a year with the State of Rhode Island Lottery, calling the winning numbers live on TV.

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