TRENDING
AI , but unlike their older counterparts , Gen Z ’ s concerns aren ’ t related to safety and security but whether the technology works ,” said Marcie Merriman , EY Americas Cultural Insights & Customer Strategy Leader .
“ Building an AI-powered workforce will require business leaders to engage Gen Z employees in the integration process , educate them on the potential business benefits of the tools at their fingertips and get it right on the first try .”
Workers want guidance , transparency and regulation
AI anxiety hasn ’ t derailed excitement or growth – 90 % of survey respondents work for an organization that has already adopted at least one AI technology and about two-thirds ( 67 %) of employees have personally pushed for AI adoption at their organization .
However , while 80 % say more training / upskilling would make them more comfortable using AI at work , nearly as many ( 73 %) have concerns about their organization not offering sufficient training or upskilling .
• Created an AI responsibility / ethical task force ( 77 %)
• Had a trusted third-party review of AI built in the process ( 76 %)
But the burden of defining guardrails isn ’ t just on the employer : 4-in-5 ( 81 %) employees believe AI technology organizations need to self-regulate more and 78 % say the government needs to play a bigger role in regulating AI technology .
Build a culture of confidence to empower employees
The survey identifies employees as playing a crucial role in the successful integration of new technologies , so leaders must prioritize alleviating fear-based obstacles for their organization to harness the full potential of AI .
Employees are shown as being more comfortable using AI at work if employees from all levels were involved in the adoption process ( 77 %) and if senior leadership promoted using AI responsibly and ethically ( 77 %).
Even more worrisome is that 63 % are anxious they won ’ t have access to AI learning opportunities .
Employees also want transparency , with the majority saying they would view an organization more positively if it :
• Offered AI responsibility / ethics training for employees ( 80 %)
And employees are open to the AI opportunity despite their concerns : 4-in-5 see its value at work and believe it will make them more efficient ( 82 %), more productive ( 81 %) and able to focus on higher-value work ( 81 %).
“ Leaders must prioritize upskilling every employee , redefine AI as augmented intelligence and proactively reshape work processes to avoid reducing workers to interface prompts ,” Diasio said . p
26 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com