One of the problems in the world of technology is that often the enthusiasm for new technologies takes on almost messianic characteristics. Without knowing exactly what we are talking about, everyone jumps on board the bandwagon of the new fashionable technology, glorifying its advantages and putting pressure on the “infidels”. The problem of the so-called hype is that, sometimes, these technologies end up being poorly understood. THE’artificial intelligenceaccording to a recently published study, risks ending up exactly like this. At least in the corporate world, everyone professes confidence in theYea but very few people use it, without understanding its advantages and potential for the future.
A real paradox
The research conducted by Jabraa Danish company specializing in professional audio and video solutions, shows a rather disconcerting picture in terms of the understanding and practical application of technologies related to machine learning. The study, conducted in recent months, involved 1,800 managers and 4,200 employees in 14 countries, who were asked to answer questions about the future ofYea in the workplace. The results of this rather in-depth research offer some really interesting insights and quite a few surprises. Faced with a blunt question, almost all those interviewed declared a “great interest” and to place almost unlimited faith in the promises of artificial intelligence. The problem is that this 85% of enthusiasts corresponds almost identically to the percentage of those who, when pressed, admit that they have not yet understood how AI solutions could improve the efficiency of their work.
Among information workers, i.e. those who could be the first to benefit from the use ofYeaif 90% have heard of ChatGpt or Copilot, only just over a quarter have already started integrating these tools into their daily workflows. The feeling is therefore of a serious disconnect between the enthusiasm of the management, probably converted by the promise of future savings or staff reductions, who should use theYea you’re still groping in the dark. It is difficult to understand how one can say at the same time that one is sure that theartificial intelligence can improve their work (56% of users), feel confident that they can use it successfully (54% of users) and, at the same time, cannot practically explain the advantages. The problem, in short, seems to be that managers’ enthusiasm seems to put employees in an uncomfortable situation: to avoid trouble, it’s better to pretend you know what you’re talking about and hope for the best.
Training and strategy are needed
Another aspect of the research is perhaps less surprising: those most enthusiastic about the future promised by artificial intelligence are young people, while the most experienced workers are those who view AI with suspicion. This explains why a large portion of AI people are under 39 and do not come from traditional IT departments, which could create friction in terms of practical implementation. When asked what they expect from AI solutions, many hope that their introduction will reduce more tedious tasks such as organizing meetings, writing emails or scheduling daily work so they can focus on more creative tasks. The good news is that if a third of employees fear being replaced byYeaonly 12% of managers admit they are considering reducing their workforce; 69% of them plan to use the time saved to tackle more ambitious projects or to train employees better.
According to Riccardo Brenna, head of research for Jabra, the problem is that there is a lack of strategy: “We see many companies eager to ride the AI wave but some are still treading water when it comes to effective implementation”. As the use of voice becomes increasingly dominant, learning and development programs will need to be prioritized to help better understand these tools. The risk is that without a clear strategy, integration occurs in a less than cohesive manner, missing valuable opportunities to improve productivity. “To avoid what we call AI-washing, companies must carefully evaluate the productivity gains it can offer and actively involve their employees in this process”.
There will be problems, at least judging by the expectations of workers, who plan to use the time saved through the use of AI for personal care, working flexibly or spending more time with the family. A solution will have to be found: the risk of being excluded from the revolution ofartificial intelligence it’s too big.